Texas University Dorm Catches Fire, At Least 3 Students Sustain Injuries

A fire reportedly broke out in a Texas dormitory, forcing students to flee the building to safety.

The fire started inside a freshman dorm room and sent a wave of panic among the Prairie View A&M University students Wednesday morning. The authorities said it was a malfunctioning air conditioning unit on the third floor that caused the fire, ABC13 reported. The firefighters said the blaze was contained to the hallway.

The officials noted the firefighters rescued two students from a ledge and took them to the hospital to receive medical attention for smoke inhalation. A third student sustained a leg injury after jumping from the third-floor and was taken to the hospital with a leg injury.

A police officer, who rushed into the dorm to help evacuate students, was also taken to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation, according to KPRC 2.

As students desperately tried to evacuate, some girls used mattresses to help other students as they tried to get down from the ledge.

"I see a girl hanging off the ledge, another one on the floor, another one's skin bleeding," a student told ABC13. "I reported my AC unit had been out for three weeks and it was hot in my room. They constantly did not want to go fix it and then finally when they fixed it, this happened. Like, what is going on?"

Students were relocated to other buildings following the fire.

“The building was evacuated, and all building residents were accounted for by the professional staff on the scene,” a university spokesperson told McClatchy News, according to the Charlotte Observer. “Our Student Affairs team is working diligently to assist impacted students with relocation arrangements.”

Prairie View A&M University’s Facebook page shared a message from Vice President for Student Affairs, Beverly Copeland, about the fire.

“The Fire Marshal is conducting a thorough investigation and will provide University officials with a report,” Copeland said. “In turn, the University will ensure that the campus community is promptly updated. Please be assured that your safety is of foremost importance.”

Copeland said the 96 students impacted by the incident would be given "an excused absence" for a day by the university.