New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Early Tuesday morning a Massachusetts State Trooper raced into a burning building in Middleboro to rescue a man trapped on the third floor.
Around 1:15am, Trooper John Hagerty from the Middleboro barracks was patrolling the area of West Grove Street in Middleboro when he noticed a house fire in a building that had nearly a dozen people fleeing from it. One of the people fleeing the veterans’ home told Trooper Hagerty that there was someone trapped on the third floor, an unnamed 33-year old man.
Middleborough Fire Department photo.
Acting quickly, Hagerty noticed a ladder outside of the building, grabbed it and propped it below a window, and helped assist the man out of the building. The victim suffered serious burns to his body and was transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where he remains in the ICU. Hagerty himself was taken to Morton Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation and has since been released.
Fire crews mounted an aggressive exterior fire attack, then went inside to complete extinguishing the fire. The fire was under control within 45 minutes of crews’ arrival.
Two other people in the home, including a woman who attempted to out the fire, suffered minor burns but refused medical care. There were no reported injuries to firefighters.
Middleborough Fire Department photo.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the fire started accidentally in a front room on the second floor where candles were found. This is the second fire in as many days started by a candle. Yesterday, in Kingston a woman dropped a candle which ignited her clothing and caused serious injuries that eventually claimed her life.
The home is considered a total loss due to heavy fire and smoke damage. As a result, the 13 residents of the home have been displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross.
Middleborough Fire Department photo.
2 of 2 – One resident of the home suffered serious injuries. The fire is under investigation by @MiddleboroughPD and Fire and the MSP Fire Investigation Unit. Our thoughts are with the victim this morning. We’re proud of Tpr Hagerty and grateful to all who responded and assisted. https://t.co/D6kcqBoUVk
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) February 22, 2022
