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The blaze broke out around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday night, July 11, authorities said. Police and firefighters responded to the scene at 7400 E. Roosevelt Boulevard and evacuated residents while diverting traffic, PPD wrote in a release.
Two were taken to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital for treatment and evaluation, according to the Fire Department.
Red Cross of Philadelphia said they assisted 42 residents at a shelter at Samuel Fels High School. The shelter remained open as of Friday morning, July 12, the organization added.
Photos from the scene showed heavy smoke, visible flames from the top floor, and a large group of onlookers.
The blaze was brought under control shortly after midnight, the fire department said.
"The scene examination continues as investigators are still attempting to access collapsed sections and possible determination for the cause of the fire," PPD said Friday morning.
The Fire Marshal and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating, according to PFD.
"The ATF involvement is standard in fires of this size and scope and does not indicate a cause," they added.
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