BOSTON — Two men were killed after a fire sparked by the careless disposal of smoking materials ripped through an apartment building in Boston’s North End early Wednesday morning, officials tell Boston 25 News.
The blaze was reported at 282 Hanover St. around 1 a.m., and when crews arrived at the scene heavy smoke and flames were seen coming from the third floor of the five-story brick building.
Fire officials told Boston 25 News that the age of the building and how close it is to neighbor buildings made it difficult for firefighters because they had difficulty getting into the courtyard.
#breaking Fire rips through this North End building on Hanover St. 2 people dead, 3 taken to hospital for smoke inhalation and several people displaced. Trattoria Il Panino restaurant below damaged. Live reports all a.m. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/lwUwwASO6k
— Joy Dumandan (@JoyDumandanTV) November 22, 2017
One of those men has been identified by his employer as 33-year-old Peter Smith. Smith's employer, Wilkins Investment, told Boston 25 News Smith was trapped and jumped from the building to try to save his life.
He was taken to a hospital where he later died.
Just confirmed with chairman of Wilkins Investments that senior investment analyst Peter Smith, 33, was killed in north end fire. He says Smith was trapped and jumped to try and save his life. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/z3VNwcdjFp
— Jacob Long (@JacobLongSTL) November 22, 2017
The second victim, 59-year-old Matthew Sabetti, was found dead inside his second-floor apartment.
Sabetti's roommate told Boston 25 News she had just moments to escape after the flames started in their apartment.
"I ran out the door and I thought he was coming behind me but he must've been staying to put the fire out," she said.
Boston fire officials said these are the first fire fatalities in Boston this year.
Investigators have determined cause of the fatal 3 alarm 282 Hanover St fire to be the careless disposal of smoking material in a 2nd floor bedroom. Damage estimated at $1.5 million dollars. Fire companies clearing scene with building turned over to owner.
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) November 22, 2017
A mother, father and three year old child were rescued by Boston firefighters. They were taken to a hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.
No other injuries were reported.
Twelve people were displaced as a result of the fire, and the American Red Cross is assisting them, along with the Mayor’s Office Neighborhood Services, fire officials said.
Damages are estimated to be $1.5 million.
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