A raging fire tore through a multi-family home in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on Tuesday night, leaving several people displaced and other homes affected.
Chelsea fire crews responded to 55 Cottage St. and upon arrival found an intense fire on two floors of the building.
Authorities said that the fire spread to the adjacent building, and that the intensity was such that the commander ordered all firefighters to leave the building for safety.
Most of the fire in the main building was contained, as were the flames in the adjacent building, and the rest of the interior fire was contained, Chelsea Fire Chief John Quatieri said.
The sister of one of the victims told Telemundo New England that her brother-in-law, several nephews and cousins were inside the house.
“She is very nervous, she is very sad, because she lost almost everything she had, what she has created here with her family,” said Karen Artica, sister of one of the affected people.
Other witnesses, such as José Fuentes, recount the moments of anguish they experienced.
“She came out and the girl was crying. The other lady was also crying, I only saw that the girl was without a sweater and nothing, because at that moment you don’t think about anything as you come out, your mind isn’t there to know if it’s cold or not cold. You run for your life,” said Fuentes.
Firefighters from Everett, Revere, Winthrop, and Medford arrived on scene to provide support and extinguish the fire.
Authorities initially said there were 7 victims, but the number increased and the Chelsea Collaborative has confirmed that there are at least 28 people affected and they are providing shelter and help.
“Right now we have about 18 in the office, and now there are about 10 more, which will be 28 in total, but we are still counting,” said Angie Coronado of the Chelsea Colaborariva.
Firefighters reported that they faced difficulties at the scene due to the narrow and steep street, and that the buildings are close together.
Among the damages from the fire, it is reported that the rear staircase completely collapsed and there is concern for the roof of the structure, and the building was declared a total loss. The adjacent building suffered some damage, but the extent of the damage was not specified.
Authorities said it appears the fire started on the second floor, and noted that smoke detectors were working.
The investigation continues.
