Gut wrenching footage shows the moment a toddler is thrown out a second floor window as fire tears through the building.
Police and firefighters huddled together on the ground below and desperately reached out their hands to catch the three-year-old as he tumbled through the air.
The baby's father is seen jumping out the window shortly after as the flames ravage the apartment in South Brunswick, Jersey, USA.
Footage captured on officers' body worn camera shows the incredible rescue mission after the blaze broke out at around 8am on Monday.
Voices can be heard shouting "drop the baby" before emergency crew miraculously catch the tot.
South Brunswick Fire Marshal John Funcheon said that the blaze was not suspicious and said the building's fire doors protected the father and son who did not escape until almost 15 minutes after the first 911 call.
"It was the closed bedroom door that kept the fire from entering the bedroom," he told ABC7 New York.
A total 20 residents including nine children were affected by the inferno, according to the publication.
Families left everything behind in a bid to flee as quickly as possible while neighbours rallied around to help.
Some children had went to school that morning and returned to find their homes destroyed, it was said.
South Brunswick Mayor Charlie Carley is leading relief efforts and schools are also offering support.
Mr Carley thanked those who made it out of the building and said immediate financial help and food will be provided.
"Our community consistently rallies to help those in need, and we will do it again with our fire victims," he added.
The Red Cross attended the scene to help victims but more help is needed, officials said.
A gift card service is also being offered to those affected by the fire.
Social services have arranged two drop off zones where people can deposit the donations.
