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Neighbor, passerby help save woman from burning house in Indianapolis

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Posted at 5:32 PM, Nov 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-21 17:32:33-05

INDIANAPOLIS — A construction worker and neighbor helped save a 92-year-old woman from a burning house Saturday afternoon on the southwest side of Indianapolis.

Richard Lordero was returning to a job site for Reith Riley Construction around 1:20 p.m. when he noticed smoke coming from the rear of a house in the 1700 block of West Minnesota Street. As he was running up to the door of the burning house, Alex Kline, a neighbor, heard what was going on and came outside to help.

"Sprinting toward the back of the house, Alex kicked in the door and was presented with heavy black smoke and high heat. She couldn't see a thing," Indianapolis Fire Department Battalion Chief Rita Reith said in a press release. "Without hesitation and staying low to the ground, Alex made her way toward the glow of a light and the sound of the woman's voice - yelling for help."

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Two people helped save a 92-year-old woman from a house fire on Saturday, November 21, 2020 on West Minnesota Street in Indianapolis.

Kline found the woman inside and pulled her out of the house, Reith said. Kline and Lordero then carried her to a car and gave her blankets.

The woman had minor injuries and possibly inhaled smoke, Reith said. She was taken to Eskenazi Hospital.

"Alex stated she was very pleased that both she and Richard played a role in saving this woman's life and felt blessed she was in the right place at the right time," Reith said. "Firefighters on scene encouraged her to apply for the next IFD Recruit Class."

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The Indianapolis Fire Department is investigating the cause of a house fire on Saturday, November 21, 2020, on West Minnesota Street. Two people are credited for saving a 92-year-old woman who was inside.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.