A fire broke out Sunday night at a triple-decker in Worcester, Massachusetts, trapping people inside as bright flames could be seen shooting into the night sky.
Fire officials tell NBC10 Boston they responded to a call around 8 p.m. for a structure fire at 1 Cohasset St. and found people were trapped on the third floor, with heavy fire showing through windows on the second and third floors as well as the attic.
Two people were rescued from the third floor via fire ladders, and they were taken to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Assistant Fire Chief Adam Roach.
A witness who spoke to NBC10 Boston said it was a mom and her young daughter who were rescued from the third floor window.
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All fire crews were ordered out of the building due to the threat of a collapse and firefighters began a defensive attack.
It took about an hour to get the fire under control, and there was a partial roof collapse, from the middle to the back of the building. Crews remained on scene as of 10:30 p.m., still chasing hot spots.
Videos shared on social media showed fire erupting from the home. Witnesses say the flames were shooting out at least 15 feet high at one point.
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One man said he was driving through the area and saw the fire trucks, so he pulled over trying to get out of the way, not realizing the fire was right behind him.
"People in the front window, I watched them rescue them out," he said. "Then they pulled the dog out, I grabbed the dog, tried to help give it CPR, just try to bring it back to life, but it didn't make it. It was scary for the family and for all of us that were around screaming 'help.' ... I wish I could help more, hopefully they're OK."
Firefighters say there is extensive smoke and water damage to the home. Eight people have been displaced by the blaze, and the American Red Cross is assisting.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
