An 18-month-old boy suffered serious injuries Thursday morning when he fell from the third story of a Foster City apartment building, fire officials said.
Firefighters were dispatched at 8:19 a.m. to the Water's Edge apartment complex at 1200 E. Hillsdale Blvd on a report of the fall, San Mateo-Foster City-Belmont Fire Battalion Chief Chuck Goodwin said.
"This appears to be completely accidental," Foster City police spokeswoman Capt. Tracy Avelar said.
Fire officials initially said the toddler fell from the second story.
Expecting heavy traffic, fire officials called for a medical helicopter to respond and transport the child to a hospital as soon as possible, Goodwin said.
While the helicopter was en route, medics treated the child at the scene. They then turned over the boy to medical helicopter nurses and he was flown to Stanford Hospital.
It was a "very sad day. It had a lot of us in tears," said neighbor Roxie Porter.
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Avelar said the boy was walking through a common hallway when he looked out an open window and fell through the screen.
"Whether the window is low or high, there is always a concern for safety," she said.
Foster City police said the investigation is ongoing, but at this time, neither the parents nor the property owner are being held responsible for what’s being called a freak accident.
"Just thinking about it gives me the shivers," said neighbor Sarit Segalov.
Neighbors also sent prayers to the boy's family.
"I feel so bad for the parents," Porter said. "God bless that little boy. I hope God has him in His arms, and he’s going to pull through this."
A spokesperson for the apartment complex sent out a statement saying officials' thoughts and prayers are with the family, but did not comment on whether the windows will be closed in the future.
