Woman falls to death from Hollywood hotel

A mother has fallen to her death from a blazing Hollywood hotel as firefighters were about to rescue her.

The tragedy occurred after fire engulfed the four-storey hotel which killed one other person.

At least three residents and three firefighters were also injured in the suspicious blaze at the Palomar Hotel on the Santa Monica Boulevard.

Authorities believe there was an explosion which caused the fire.

Fire officials said some occupants were hanging from the windows and screaming for help as firefighters arrived.

One woman fell to her death as firefighters attempted to reach her with a 35-foot ladder.

Capt Steve Ruda said: "Firefighters had already rescued her two children and were trying to get her.

"If she just would have waited 10 seconds, they would have had her. But she panicked and fell right down on top of them as they were coming to get her."

One firefighter fell down an elevator shaft from the third floor to a first-story landing, authorities said.

Another firefighter suffered serious burns to his leg and was taken to Grossman Burn Centre.

Fire officials said the blaze may have started in the rear of the building near an elevator shaft.

Flames spread to all of the floors of the building.