A Worcester firefighter was killed after he was trapped in an early morning three-alarm blaze Thursday that left another firefighter seriously injured. The fire at the apartment complex on Arlington Street broke out before dawn amid during heavy wind gusts that complicated the firefight for crews.
At least one firefighter was reportedly trapped in the blaze when a wall gave way inside the structure.
The deceased firefighter was attempted to make a rescue when the collapse occurred. About a dozen rescues were made after firefighter rushed to the scene of the blaze. Crews contained the blaze and all occupants were able to get out in time.
"The firefighters of Worcester are no strangers to tragedy. And today, unfortunately, the dangerous calling these firefighters took the oath to do has left us devastated once again," Edward Kelly, President of Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, told the newspaper. "We ask the people of Worcester and well as the people of the Commonwealth to keep Worcester firefighters and their families in their prayers."
The city’s latest line of duty death comes just days after the 12-year anniversary of the death of six Worcester firefighters who perished in the Cold Storage Warehouse Fire on Dec. 3, 1999.
To view pictures of the incident: http://www.telegram.com/article/20111208/NEWS/11120936
To view video of the incident: http://www.clipsyndicate.com/video/playlist/8178/3087593?wpid=6983
