Additional Bodies Found in Debris of Worcester MA Blaze

The death toll from Saturday’s four-alarm fire at 2 Gage St. in Worcester has risen to four, according to acting Fire Chief Martin Dyer.

The third and fourth victims were recovered from the building Monday, Dyer said.

Canines from the Massachusetts State Police and Auburn Fire Department were brought to the scene and found the third victim was discovered at approximately 8 a.m. and the fourth was discovered Monday afternoon.

Working at the scene Sunday morning, investigators became aware of the potential that snakes were in the building and worked with the Environmental Police to remove a number of snakes before the investigation could continue, according to Dyer.

The snakes survived the fire, but Dyer said he could not speak to how dangerous they were.

Due to the complexity of the scene, City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. said the scene of the fire remains under active investigation. Investigators are still trying to determine just how many residents were displaced, with Dyer saying there were at least over 20.

The building is not stable, according to Dyer, and investigators are working there now removing debris by hand.

“It’s a very slow process,” Dyer said. About an hour into the incident the roof began collapsing into the building.

When asked if any residents are unaccounted for Dyer said they don’t have “strong evidence” there are other victims still inside the building.

City officials initially announced Saturday the fire left at least two dead and three injured.

The fire was reported at the six-family three-decker around 3:31 a.m. Saturday, according to city officials. At 4 p.m. firefighters were still on the scene attempting to complete a full search of the building and address any remaining hot spots.

Companies arrived within three minutes of the report, Dyer said, and found heavy fire extending up the entire year of the building with advanced fire conditions throughout.

As the first lines were being put into operation a resident jumped or fell from the third-floor window.

The resident was treated at the scene and taken to UMass Medical Center with serious injuries. Three other residents were also taken to the hospital by EMS, according to Dyer.

“The extinction proved to be extremely challenging, requiring firefighters remain on scene throughout the day on Saturday,” Dyer said, listing topography and building size as some of the reasons.

Dyer did not identify any of the victims of the fire or comment on the condition of the victims that were taken to the hospital, stating that the fire is still under investigation and that next of kin have to be notified.

The building was a total loss and two other buildings, 5 Eastern Ave. and 4 Gage St. were exposed to the fire and experienced damage.

Worcester’s Fire Investigation Unit, the Worcester Police Department and the office of Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. are conducting the investigation into the cause of the fire.

Dyer said the investigation into the fire really only started Monday due to the condition of the building.

When asked if there was anything sinister about the fire, Early said he couldn’t speak to anything other than the fire being under investigation.

As for any potential charges being filed in relation to the fire, Early once again stated its an active investigation.

“While we are deeply saddened by the loss of life we are thankful to our public safety personnel for their selfless professional response, which prevented more damage and additional loss of life,” Augustus said.

Dyer thanked the Worcester Fire Department for its courageous efforts under extremely difficult conditions and ATF, the State Fire Marshall’s Office and UMass EMS for continuing to work the scene.

The American Red Cross is working to offer assistance to the residents displaced by the fire, Dyer said.

Both Dyer and Augustus offered their deepest condolences to the victims.

MassLive reporter Tom Matthews contributed to this story.