Buddhist monks visit site of fatal Lowell fire, memorial scheduled

LOWELL, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Buddhist monks arrived Thursday evening at the scene of the state's deadliest fire in two decades.

Seven people were killed in the early morning blaze at an apartment building on Branch Street in Lowell. Five of the seven people killed were from one family. Torn Sak, Ellen Vuong, and three of their five children died in the fire.

All five were Cambodian. They also had multiple extended family members who also live in the building and nearby.

The monks walked from the Glory Buddhist Temple in the heart of Lowell's Cambodian community, and lead a prayer service at the scene of the fire. Dozens of people gathered for the service, many of them meditating on the ground.

According to the city, Lowell is second only to Long Beach California for the country's largest Cambodian population.

A memorial service for the families who lost loved ones will take place at the Glory Buddhist Temple on Cambridge Street Sunday at 5:30 p.m.

Cox Media Group