Ohio newspaper carrier saves 11 people from fire

COLUMBUS (AP) — Firefighters in central Ohio say a newspaper carrier saved the lives of 11 people when he alerted them that their home had caught on fire.

Ben Carroll, 28, says he was delivering newspapers around 5 a.m. today in his bicycle when he smelled smoked and saw flames on the side of a house. He says he called 911 and banged on the front and side doors of property until a man responded. Five adults and six children left the burning house within minutes.

The man who answered the door, Matthew Henderson, says he first thought Carroll was mistaken and did not believe his home was on fire.

Firefighters say the blaze in Columbus’ west side started on a porch near the back of the house.