By Tiffany Williams –
WORCESTER, Mass. — Flames ripped through a multi-family home in Worcester late Wednesday night, sending residents scrambling for safety, forcing firefighters into rescue mode and leaving multiple people hospitalized after a chaotic scene unfolded on May Street.
The Worcester Fire Department said crews were called around 10:42 p.m. to the three-story residential building at the corner of May and Hollywood streets, where heavy flames were already pushing through hallways and out windows by the time firefighters arrived.
Residents on the first floor were evacuating as crews rushed inside to search for people still trapped in the building. Fire officials said three people had to be rescued from inside the home, including two who were located on the second floor as smoke and flames tore through the structure.
Firefighters battled intense conditions inside the building and were able to get the fire under control within roughly 20 minutes, but officials said the damage left the home unlivable and displaced 15 people.
Four residents were transported to local hospitals. Officials said one resident suffered serious injuries while the other injuries were considered minor. A firefighter also suffered a minor injury and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Police described the scene as chaotic, with confusion over who had escaped the building and who still remained inside as emergency crews worked through smoke, flames and panicked residents trying to flee the burning structure.
Authorities said officers and firefighters eventually determined everyone had made it out safely, but the situation escalated again when police said 37-year-old Sarah Beth Martinez suddenly ran barefoot back into the burning building for what investigators described as an unknown reason.
Two police officers were able to reach Martinez and remove her from danger before placing her under arrest at the scene.
Martinez now faces charges including obstructing a firefighter, interfering with a firefighter, resisting arrest, disturbing the peace and disorderly conduct. Officials also said she had two outstanding warrants.
The fire remains under investigation as Worcester firefighters and police continue working to determine exactly how the blaze started inside the May Street rooming house.