Fire Destroys Apartment Complex in Watertown

WATERTOWN, S.D. (AP) — An overnight fire has destroyed a senior housing apartment complex in the eastern South Dakota city of Watertown.

All 43 residents of the Sunchase Apartments made it out after the 41-unit complex caught fire late Tuesday. KELO-TV reports one person was taken to a hospital with what authorities said were injuries that were not life-threatening. Another person was treated at the scene.

Officials say many of the residents are elderly. The Salvation Army is helping them find places to stay. Some pharmacies opened up overnight to make sure residents have medications.

Resident Jon Strait tells KWAT radio that hallways were filled with smoke as residents made their way out. Firefighters had to deal with exploding oxygen tanks.

The state fire marshal is being called in to investigate the fire's cause.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.