Two firemen lost their lives on Wednesday as they attempted to put out a fire in a residence in Back Bay, Boston, while 18 other people were injured, local media reported.
43-year-old Lt. Edward J. Walsh from West Roxbury and 33-year-old Michael R. Kennedy from Hyde Park, were identified as the firemen who lost their lives, reported CNN.
According to the same source, the deputy chief of the fire department, Joe Finn, said in a brief press conference that Walsh, husband and father of two boys, had worked in the fire department for close to 10 years, while Kennedy, a veteran Marine had worked in the department for six years and a half.
"In 30 years I never saw a fire extend with such speed and doing so much damage," said Finn, quoted by CNN.
On his part, Boston's Mayor, Martin Walsh, said that "These two heroes entered a building on fire, pulled out the people inside. We lost two heroes today."
According to first reports, published by the ABC, the fire originated in the basement of a red brick apartment building in Back Bay, a fire that was made stronger by the winds, which caused the flames to reach neighboring residences.
At least 18 other people, among them 13 firemen, remain hospitalized, although no further details have been revealed regarding their health. Likewise, authorities continue to investigate to determine what caused the fire which began at about 9 a.m. and was controlled at 3 p.m.
Video via ABC
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