Firefighters Rescue Teenager From Burning Building In Lowell
LOWELL (CBS) – Firefighters rescued a teenager from the third floor of a burning residential building in Lowell Thursday morning. The fire started just before 9 a.m. at the corner of Methuen and 7th streets.
Crews encountered heavy smoke and people screaming that residents were trapped inside. They used a 35-foot ladder to bring the boy down to safety.
"I was working and got a call the house was on fire," said Peggy Joslin, who left her job at Market Basket and rushed home Thursday morning. "When I came my grandson was stuck on the third floor. He went to the hospital with my daughter I don't know, it's just a mess."
Firefighters rescued her 14-year-old grandson by using a 35-foot ladder.
"They had to break the window to get him out of his bedroom and he's in the hospital now," said Paula Lebonte, the boy's aunt.
Lebonte also scrambled to get over to the 7th Street home when she heard it was on fire.
"Everybody is in shock just please pray for the family and just be with your family," Lebonte said. "Family is so important today."
The Lowell Fire Department said crews arrived on scene just before 9 a.m. to heavy smoke coming from the multi-family home. Firefighters were told that people were trapped inside. After about 40 minutes, firefighters determined the building was clear.
Firefighters were also able to rescue two dogs. The fire displaced a total of 11 people.
The deputy chief said the fire was sparked accidentally by a child playing with a lighter.