Five people hospitalized after early-morning apartment fire

One man suffered severe burns and was knocked unconscious early today in an apartment fire that also trapped a woman and two small children, Las Vegas Fire and Rescue said in a release.

Firefighters received several calls about the blaze at 12:06 a.m. after neighbors heard screams coming from the apartment at 3333 N. Michael Way, near Cheyenne Avenue. Heavy flames and smoke engulfed the residence and the woman had to lower two children, ages 3 and 5, from a second story balcony before climbing down herself.

When firefighters got into the apartment, they found a man lying on the ground with severe burns to the upper part of his body. He was taken to University Medical Center for treatment.

The woman, children and a neighbor who helped save the group were also taken to the hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation.

Although the investigation is in its beginning stages, officials suspect it started in the kitchen. The blaze caused about $50,000 in damage.