A mother and her baby miraculously avoided serious injuries after escaping a fire in a Yelizavet high-rise by jumping from the fifth floor. The incident highlighted issues with accessibility for emergency services and raised questions about the actions of some residents.

The fire broke out in the family’s apartment, trapping the mother, Kristina, and her child. With black smoke filling the corridor and blocking their escape route, Kristina made the split-second decision to throw her baby out the window into the arms of neighbors below before jumping herself.

Eyewitnesses reported that neighbors attempted to assist but were unable to gain access to the building. Residents allegedly failed to open the entrance door despite being alerted to the fire via intercom. Some claimed their intercoms were broken, which nearby residents contested.

The fire department encountered obstacles upon arrival. Parked cars and concrete barriers blocked their path, forcing them to reroute and delaying their response. The ambulance also faced difficulties reaching the injured mother due to a fenced-off parking lot, requiring medics to transport her on a stretcher through the parking area.

Firefighters evacuated 23 people from the building, including seven children who were rescued using special devices. Both mother and child are currently hospitalized. The baby is reportedly unharmed, while the mother is being treated for a chest injury.