WEST HARTFORD - Firefighters responded to a large fire at an apartment building that injured nine people, four critically, early Thursday morning.
Firefighters said the fire started around 2 a.m. on the second floor of the Westwood apartments on Kane Street. Nine people were taken to St. Francis and Hartford hospitals. Four were initially in critical condition with smoke inhalation and respiratory burns, but only three were transported to Bridgeport Burn unit for further treatment. Two have been released from the burn unit but remain at Bridgeport hospital.
The rest of those who were injured were released from the hospital, including one firefighter who was treated and released.
About 100 residents in 48 units were displaced. The fire was in a middle unit and spread up the third floor, and people were rescued off of balconies. Officials said the fire was difficult to contain and two units were a total loss. The complex is split into five rental buildings and four condominium buildings.
Some residents were allowed into their unit, Thursday evening, with an escort to grab personal belongings. All occupants will not be allowed back in their homes for the night. Fire officials will determine when residents can enter back into their homes over the next few days.
The fire was in the area of Oakwood Avenue between St. Charles Street and Kane Street, near the UConn Health building and Exit 44 from I-84. Roads were temporarily closed as firefighters fought to contain the flames.
"The smell, the smoke and also it was really dark we couldn’t see anything," Resident Razia Babajan said. "I couldn’t see anything, I was about to fall from the stairs and the fire department helped us."
Residents were taken to the Elmwood Community Center where the Red Cross setup a temporary shelter. The shelter was opened to residents impacted by the fire and the Red Cross provided lunch and dinner, as well as beverages and snacks throughout the day. The shelter was operational until 8 p.m., Thursday.
The American Red Cross is helping 15 families: 23 adults and 12 children.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the West Hartford Fire and Police Departments, as well as the state's fire and explosive investigation unit.