2nd Victim Recovered from Scene of Fatal New Bedford Fire

New Bedford (MA) and state public safety officials today recovered a second victim from the scene of a March 28, 2023, deadly fire on Acushnet Avenue. The recovery came as investigators were using heavy equipment to examine the badly damaged structure. Firefighters had already recovered one deceased victim from the structure. The New Bedford Fire Department responded to an alarm activation on Acushnet Avenue at about 1515. On arrival, they observed heavy smoke and flames and occupants hanging from the windows and jumping from the building to escape. Firefighters immediately began conducting rescues overground ladders and five people were transported from the scene formedical care. Ageneral alarm was declared, bringing all New Bedford apparatus and off-duty personnel to the scene along with dozens of firefighters from surrounding departments. The building was well involved before firefighters arrived, and it sustained catastrophic damage, but firefighters were successful in keeping the blaze from extending to several nearby homes and businesses. The fire was brought under control by about 1800 but firefighters continued to extinguish hot spots forhours afterward. The fire departments of Acushnet, Dartmouth and Fairhaven, provided mutual aid at the scene. Ambulances from Freetown, Lakeville, Marion, Wareham and Westport supported New Bedford EMS with patient transport and care.