Trapped residents dangled outside a window of a burning apartment while waiting for rescuers.

The locals climbed out of their rooms to escape the thick black smoke and fire that spread throughout a building in Hunan, China, on February 4.

Footage shows the pair perilously standing on narrow ledges outside the windows.

The resident's face was blackened by ash, and his pal's leg could be seen above him as he was the last to climb out.

The pair climbing out of the window were also seen from below the building as firetrucks arrived.

Video shows one of the men clinging to his friend as they both tried to help each other climb out.

The Loudi Fire Department said on February 5: 'We had put out the fire. The trapped people were also rescued. However, we are still investigating the cause.'