Screaming witnesses watched the remarkable escape of a construction worker as a huge blaze engulfed an under-construction apartment block in Texas.

The amazing footage, filmed by Karen Jones from a neighbouring office, sees the man on a top-floor balcony trying to avoid the blaze behind him.

He manages to jump to a ledge beneath him before rescuers pluck him to safety using an extended ladder.

As he is swung away from the fire the top-level of the building crumbles behind him.

There were no reported injuries.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.