A juvenile rescued from a burning apartment building Monday night in Lansing remains in critical condition after firefighters battled heavy smoke to reach the trapped victim.

According to the Lansing Fire Department, crews were dispatched at approximately 7:32 p.m. on Monday, July 13, to a structure fire in the 2900 block of Bernice Road.

When firefighters arrived, they encountered heavy smoke coming from a two-story apartment building and were advised that a victim was trapped inside.

First arriving crews, assisted by numerous auto-aid departments, immediately launched an aggressive search under hazardous conditions. Firefighters located the juvenile inside the building, removed the victim from the structure, and transported them to Munster Community Hospital. The child was later transferred to Comer Children’s Hospital, where officials said the victim remains in critical condition.

The response was upgraded to a Full Still and Box Alarm, bringing additional fire departments to the scene. Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control in approximately 30 minutes.

Authorities also reported that a Lansing police officer was transported to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. The officer was evaluated and released later that evening.

The Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal and MABAS 24/27 Fire Investigators responded to assist with determining the origin and cause of the fire. Investigators said the cause remains under investigation, but no foul play is suspected at this time.

The Lansing Fire Department was assisted by fire and emergency personnel from Calumet City, South Holland, Thornton, Dolton, Glenwood, Munster, Lynwood, Hazel Crest, Flossmoor, Tinley Park, Bud’s Ambulance, and the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal.