STORM WATCH

Winter storm warning issued for parts of Connecticut ahead of this weekend's storm

Norwalk man hospitalized following fire at senior apartments

The first started in his first-floor apartment. Ralph Santos says he was trapped until neighbors rushed to his rescue to get him and his 3-year-old grandson out.

News 12 Staff

May 17, 2023, 10:42 AM

Updated 632 days ago

Share:

A Norwalk man remains hospitalized with serious injuries from a fire at Cedar Court Senior Housing on Cedar Street Tuesday.
News 12 spoke with Ralph Santos, 67, from his hospital room as he is being treated for smoke inhalation.
"The pain I'm feeling right now -- I've never been through pain like this in my life," said Santos.
He said he lost everything but the clothes on his back. The first started in his first-floor apartment. Santos says he was trapped until neighbors rushed to his rescue to get him and his 3-year-old grandson out.
"I owe that to my neighbors, because they were the ones that pulled me out of the apartment because I was going crazy. I tried to take as much as I can, but the heat would not allow me to touch anything," Santos said.
Authorities say the fire affected two buildings with 48 apartments.
"The little bit that I had, that I cherished -- it's all gone," said Santos.
The property owner said in part, "We're saddened by the fire at our community and the impact it's having on our residents. We're working with the Red Cross and City of Norwalk to ensure residents displaced are re-housed quickly."