Massive Fire Displaces 230 in Amherst Apartment Complex
On Friday night, a large fire broke out at the Olympia Place apartment complex near UMass Amherst in Amherst, Massachusetts, forcing 230 residents to evacuate. The blaze started at a nearby construction site and quickly spread to the apartment buildings.
Fire Details and Response
The fire began around 8:19 p.m. in a building still under construction, which later collapsed. Flames extended to adjacent buildings, some parts of which also collapsed during the incident. Firefighters from the region responded to control the fire, which was still burning after dawn on Saturday.
Impact and Safety
- No injuries were reported amid the emergency.
- A construction crane collapsed during the fire.
- Several explosions were heard, believed to come from construction fuel tanks.
Community Assistance
The town, university, aid agencies, and apartment management coordinated efforts to support those displaced. Most residents affected are students attending UMass Amherst.
"The fire was centered on the Olympia Place apartment complex and spread from one building to another by late Friday night," said the Amherst Fire Department.
"The fire was reported about 8:19 p.m. in a building still under construction, which has since collapsed. The flames spread to other buildings, parts of which have collapsed," fire officials reported.
The university confirmed the fire occurred at a nearby construction site and spread into the student housing complex.
Author's summary: A significant fire originating at a construction site next to a student apartment complex in Amherst displaced 230 people, with no injuries reported but extensive property damage and ongoing containment efforts.