NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — One person is dead, two people are unaccounted for, and a handful of others are injured after a massive fire tore through a building in New Bedford on Tuesday afternoon.
Firefighters responded to the Royal Crown Lodging on Acushnet Avenue around 3 p.m. for a report of a structure fire. On arrival, crews encountered large flames and heavy smoke spewing out of the 32-unit building.
New Bedford Fire Chief Scott Kruger said firefighters were able to rescue five residents from the windows of the building with ground ladders.
“We can confirm one fatality,” New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell said. “We can confirm there are two people who are unaccounted for.”
At least 70 firefighters from neighboring towns helped battle the fire from above and on the ground. The Department of Fire Services also deployed a rehab unit to help in the fight.
Fire officials are still asking people to stay away from the area as they continue searching for the unaccounted residents.
Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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