A woman who fell from the third floor of a burning Miami Beach apartment building was hospitalized early Friday while another woman who may have started the fire was being questioned, officials said.
Miami Beach Fire Rescue deputy chief Juan Mesas said the fire began in the elevator shaft for the seven-story building located at 3621 Collins Avenue. Power was shut off.
Police said the woman tried to lower herself with bed linens but fell in the process.
Two people were treated for smoke inhalation, while the woman who fell was transported to Jackson Health System's Ryder Trauma Center, Mesas said.
Miami Beach Fire Department firefighters were able to quickly contain the flames. The American Red Cross is working to house residents with the help of Miami Beach Fire Rescue.
The fire shut down northbound Collins Avenue between 36th Street and 37th Street.
A woman was detained for questioning. Arson investigators will examine the case following reports of a woman who was allegedly previously seen attempting to set fire to the building.
Local
"Right now we are treating this as a potential arson investigation," Miami Beach Police spokesman Ernesto Rodriguez said.
