Massive Fire Displaces 230 in Amherst Apartment Complex
On Friday night, a large fire broke out at the Olympia Place apartment complex in Amherst, Massachusetts, near the UMass Amherst campus. The fire spread from a building under construction to adjacent residential buildings, displacing approximately 230 people.
Fire Incident Details
The Amherst Fire Department reported the blaze began around 8:19 p.m. in the construction site building, which eventually collapsed. Flames quickly spread to multiple buildings, causing partial collapses and a collapsed construction crane. Several explosions, likely from fuel tanks on site, were also heard.
Response and Impact
Firefighters from across the region assisted in controlling the fire, which continued burning into early Saturday morning. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
The fire was centered on the Olympia Place apartment complex and spread from one building to another by late Friday night, according to the Amherst Fire Department.
The university stated the fire began at a nearby construction site and spread into the adjoining apartment complex, where most residents are students. Local authorities, university officials, aid organizations, and the apartment management are collaborating to support those affected.
Several explosions were reported, likely from construction fuel tanks, and a construction crane collapsed amid the flames, fire officials said.
Location and Visuals
Video footage from the scene east of UMass Amherst's main campus captures heavy flames engulfing the area.
Author’s summary: A devastating fire at Amherst's Olympia Place complex forced 230 residents, mostly students, to evacuate, with emergency teams working through the night amid building collapses and explosions.