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Second man found dead in Lowell fire

Print Posted by Witherspoon October 10, 2010 11:52 AM

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By Stewart Bishop, Globe Correspondent

An early morning fire in Lowell claimed the life of two men and left at least six others injured, fire officials said today.

About 4 a.m., a fire broke out in a four-story apartment building on Bridge Street, said Deputy Chief Robert Flynn. Firefighters from Lowell, Chelmsford and Tewksbury responded to the four-alarm blaze in the brick structure, which had 15 apartments and an estimated 20 residents, Flynn said.

Firefighters found a 23-year-old man dead at the scene. He was not immediately identified. A second man was found dead about 1 p.m. as investigators combed through the rubble on the fourth floor.

A third man was critically injured after he jumped from the fourth floor of the building to escape the flames, Flynn said. That man was taken by medical helicopter to Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, officials said.

Two firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation. Four other people with injuries were taken to two local hospitals, said Red Cross spokeswoman Nancy Rowe. Nine Red Cross staff members were on scene distributing water, blankets and food to the displaced residents, several of whom were children, Rowe said. In addition, the Red Cross was dispursing money for clothes, since many residents fleeing the early morning fire escaped in pajamas or scant clothing, Rowe said.

The damage to the building was so extensive that Flynn said he expected it would have to be razed.

"The walls have buckled, and there's a real fear of collapse," Flynn said. "I think the building may have to be taken down."

Flynn said the state fire marshal was on scene trying to determine the cause of the fire. Rowe said the Red Cross is working with fire officials to determine exactly how many people were displaced by the blaze. She said they would provide shelter tonight for the residents.