The Associated Press
ENFIELD, Conn. — An early morning fire swept through a two-family house in northern Connecticut on Wednesday, leaving four people unaccounted for, fire officials said.
The front of building on the Connecticut River in Enfield was burned out with a partially collapsed roof and charred interior walls. A woman who arrived saying her sister was inside was ushered past the yellow tape put up around the house.
Firefighters responded to the fire at about 6:15 a.m. Wednesday in Enfield, about 20 miles northeast of Hartford.
The four missing people range in age from 40 to their late 60s, fire department spokesman Mark Zarcaro said. He said five others who had been inside the house were evacuated safely.
Jessica Rozalski, a friend of some of the residents, said the side of the building that was most affected by the fire was occupied by a woman and some of her extended family including grandchildren. She said she spoke with one of the residents who tried to break windows to rescue people inside but was turned back by the heat of the fire.
“It’s sad. It really is. I’ve known them my whole life,” Rozalski said.
Zarcaro says part of the second floor collapsed into the first floor, and firefighters have been trying to stabilize the building before entering.
Lisa Lape, of Bristol, said her sister Mary Lapane lives in the building and she came to the scene after seeing the news on television. She said her sister was in the shower when she smelled smoke and was able to escape with her family.
“She’s in shock. She’s OK,” Lape said.