One Dead, Two Missing in New Bedford Fire

NEW BEDFORD — New Bedford Fire Chief Scott Kruger confirmed last night that one man was killed in a massive fire that injured several others and destroyed an Acushnet Avenue rooming house Tuesday afternoon.

Two other people are still missing, the chief stated in an update to news outlets at the scene.

Fire crews arrived at the four-story Royal Crown Lodging at 1305 Acushnet Ave. just after 3 p.m. Tuesday to find heavy smoke and flames with residents trapped inside, hanging out of and in some cases jumping from upper floor windows.

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Firefighters rescued several of the more than 20 residents of the building with ladders, the chief said.

Several residents were injured in the blaze and were treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to the hospital, some with serious injuries.

The man who was killed has not yet been publicly identified by authorities.

The American Red Cross is helping those displaced by the fire, and New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell said at the scene that the city will do "everything we can" to help.

"Their lives have been turned upside down," he said.