1 Dead, Many Displaced After Major Fire In Groton, Fire Officials Say

GROTON, CT — A person has died following a major fire in Groton on Saturday afternoon, according to a City of Groton Firefighters' Union statement released Sunday night.

At 4:52 p.m. emergency crews responded to a report of a structure fire with entrapment at Groton Towers at 39 Broad St. Extension. Upon arrival, crews saw "large clouds of dark-colored smoke" coming from the side of the building, police said.

Police and firefighters helped evacuate residents as "flames and smoke came out of the third and fourth floor."

After arriving on scene, a second- then a third-alarm structure fire was declared, officials said.

Twelve residents were trapped on the building's balconies. Firefighters rescued or removed those residents by using ladders and ladder trucks. Four people were transported to the hospital.

One of those victims died due to their injuries, fire officials said. The person's identity has not been released.

"First and foremost, our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those impacted by this tragic incident," the union said in a statement.

The Red Cross responded to help residents who were displaced.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

"This tragedy highlights the importance of adequate staffing on initial units, ensuring Fire Department personnel can effectively and efficiently perform the primary objectives of search and rescue, and victim removal," the union wrote. "Every minute counts, and adequate staffing saves lives."