Young boy killed after flames engulf Houston apartment complex

HOUSTON, TX - A deadly fire that took a young boy's life after flames engulfed a large apartment complex on Gessner Road on Christmas Eve. Nearly 60 families were forced from their homes because of the blaze. Houston firefighters responded to a 2-alarm fire at the Country Club Village Apartments located at 7000 block of South Gessner Road at approximately 8 a.m. Monday morning.  

Authorities say that 2 male adults were injured and rushed to the hospital, including 1 firefighter who suffered heat exhaustion. The firefighter is undergoing X-ray evaluation now and is expected to recover. The other male apparently had burns to his arms and parts of his abdomen. Family members on the scene say that one of the injured was actually a father trying to rescue his son, but fire investigators have not yet confirmed that information.

Several residents were injured after they jumped out of the window from the second and third floors to safety. Approximately a hundred firefighters were called to the scene with at least a dozen fire truck crews responding. Three of the buildings of Country Club Village Apartments were affected by the fire, including 60 units. Authorities say 30 units were indirectly affected and have no power.  

Red Cross is now on the scene to assist with the families who were displaced. Many of the families may stay with other family members in the mean time, while others will be at a Red Cross shelter until further notice. 

To try and lighten up the mood for the residents, firefighters began handing out toys to some of the displaced families in light of this Christmas Eve tragedy.  The cause of the fire is still being investigated. 

This is a developing story. Please check back to FOX 26 for new updates.