A
91-year-old woman was killed and at least 12 other people were injured in a
three-alarm fire early Wednesday in Melrose, officials say.
The
incident happened around 5 a.m. on Park and Teller avenues and spread through
multiple apartments.
A
resident of the building tells News 12 the fire started on the third floor of
the building and that his roommate saw sparks in the kitchen.
The
fire reportedly spread through multiple apartments in the five-floor building.
Residents
tell News 12 around 700 people live in the building.
FDNY
officials say 33 units, including 138 firefighters and emergency management
services personnel, responded to the scene.
A
91-year-old woman was pronounced dead on arrival, and an 80-year-old man is in
critical condition.
At
least 11 others, including a firefighter, suffered injuries.
The
residents who were critically injured had to be rescued from inside the
building.
The
fire could have started because of electrical issues that are still being
investigated.
Residents
tell News 12 that the super was knocking on people’s doors asking if they
smelled gas.
Dozens,
many without shoes, are waiting to see how bad their homes are damaged.
Those
who were displaced will be getting assistance from the Red Cross.