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A massive fire at an apartment building in New London forced dozens of people to find places to stay for the night.
The blaze broke out around 9:45 p.m. Tuesday on Willets Avenue and sent three people to area hospitals. Two of those hospitalized were being treated for smoke inhalation.
More than 80 firefighters were called to fight the blaze and rescue victims. Fire officials said rescuers helped six to eight people escape the flames.
Fire officials said the blaze began in a third-floor apartment and flames tore through the roof of the building.
About 50 people were forced outside the building, many standing outside in the cold staring at their home covered in a cloud of smoke.
"Everything I own is in there, everything I worked for: Pictures of my family, all food and clothes, we are homeless. Twelve hours ago we had a place to live," displaced resident Anissa Mrowka.
Kristen Gross, who was displaced by the fire, said she was wondering what in her home would be salvageable.
"Very worried, stuff from my grandma -- heirlooms. We don't know if it's OK," she said.
Residents were bused to the New London Senior Center, where members of the American Red Cross had set up an emergency shelter.
Rep. Joe Courtney, in a written statement, said, "My thoughts and prayers are with every resident who has been displaced by this tragedy. I commend our emergency personnel who saved many lives because of their quick and professional response to the fire."
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
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