By Avery Jones
WORCESTER, MA — Crews responded to a rapidly developing fire in Worcester on Neptune Road that was quickly struck to a second alarm as heavy fire conditions spread through the structure.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire showing from multiple areas of the building, prompting an aggressive interior attack alongside a primary search operation. During the search, crews located an elderly occupant who had reportedly been trapped inside for approximately 10 minutes.
The victim was removed from the structure by firefighters in a time-critical rescue and immediately transferred to awaiting EMS. Based on on-scene observations, the individual appeared to have sustained severe burn injuries over much of their body; however, officials have not confirmed the extent or condition.
Additional companies were brought in under the second alarm to assist with fire suppression, ventilation, and overhaul. Crews worked quickly to knock down the bulk of the fire and prevent extension to surrounding structures.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the identity of the victim has not been released.
This remains a developing story.