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Fire Injures Five in Chicago's Hancock Skyscraper

FILE - The John Hancock tower is most prominent in this section of the Chicago skyline, in a photo taken in May 2001.

A fire that broke out Saturday halfway up the John Hancock Center, one of Chicago's tallest skyscrapers, has been put out, authorities said. Five people were injured.

Flames and thick smoke poured out of an east-side window on the 50th floor. Authorities said the fire did not leave the residential unit where it began, but the apartment was gutted and other residents on the floor were displaced.

The Chicago Fire Department said the blaze was accidental.

The iconic 99-floor building, completed in 1970, also has offices, shops and an observation floor popular with tourists.

The fire department's media office tweeted that of the injured, two were in good condition and three were stable. A spokesman couldn't immediately be reached to provide details.

Firefighters conducted floor-by-floor searches to ensure people were safe.