1 dead, several hurt in New Bedford fire

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — A man was killed and several others taken to the hospital after a devastating fire in New Bedford.

The violent flames ripped through a multi-family home Monday afternoon around 1 p.m.

New Bedford resident Harry Parsons was working when he heard about what happened.

He said he immediately called his 13-year-old grandson, who lived in the home.

“He answered the phone, and I could tell he was upset,” Parsons said.

Firefighters arrived to a hectic scene, finding heavy smoke and fire shooting from the building.

“It became readily apparent right at point that there was rescues that needed to be made,” New Bedford Fire Chief Scott Kruger said. “They had reports of people trapped.”

Officials said they were able to rescue a tenant from the second floor, but a man in his 80’s on the first floor died.

Three others escaped on their own, including Parsons’s grandson.

“I’m glad he got out,” Parsons said. “He and his mom and the husband got out.”

Five people in total were taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and injuries from escaping the fire.

Among those injured were four tenants and a bystander who tried to rescue those trapped inside the home.

“My grandson had everything in there, Christmas gifts, everything,” Parsons said. “But I’m glad he made it out safe and alive.”

The state fire marshal and several other agencies are investigating the cause of the fire.