Second victim recovered from scene of fatal New Bedford fire

“New Bedford and state public safety officials today recovered a second victim from the scene of yesterday’s deadly fire on Acushnet Avenue, said New Bedford Fire Chief Scott Kruger, New Bedford Police Chief Paul J. Oliveira, State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey, and Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III. The recovery came as investigators are using heavy equipment throughout the day to delayer and examine the badly damaged structure.

Firefighters recovered one deceased victim from the structure last night. District Attorney Quinn identified him as 59-year-old Manuel Moreira, a resident of the four-story rooming house.

“On behalf of the New Bedford Fire Department, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Moreira’s family and loved ones,” said Chief Kruger. “It was deeply important to all of us at the scene that we recover him with respect and dignity as soon as it was possible to do so.”

The New Bedford Fire Department responded to an alarm activation at 1305 Acushnet Ave. at about 3:15 yesterday afternoon. On arrival, they observed heavy smoke and flames and occupants hanging from the windows and jumping from the building to escape the danger inside. Firefighters immediately began conducting rescues over ground ladders and five people were transported from the scene for medical care.

A general alarm was declared, bringing all New Bedford apparatus and off-duty personnel to the scene along with dozens of firefighters from surrounding communities. The building was well involved before firefighters arrived, and it sustained catastrophic damage, but firefighters were successful in keeping the blaze from extending to several nearby homes and businesses. The fire was under control by about 6:00 pm but firefighters continued to extinguish hot spots for hours afterward and crews remained on scene overnight.

The origin and cause of the fire are being investigated by the New Bedford Fire Department, New Bedford Police Department, State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police assigned to the Bristol District Attorney’s office. They are supported by New Bedford Inspectional Services, the State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and the Department of Fire Services Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit.

The fire departments of Acushnet, Dartmouth, and Fairhaven provided mutual aid at the scene. Ambulances from Freetown, Lakeville, Marion, Wareham, and Westport supported New Bedford EMS with patient transport and care.”-Mass.gov.

You can see the original story as it broke, with subsequent updates, a photo set and video here.