A Boston nine-alarm brownstone flame killed 2 firefighters and left 16 others injured and hospitalized, Fox News reported Wednesday.
According to a city councilor, an inferno ripped through a brownstone in a densely-populated neighborhood and killed two responding rescuers.
Authorities said the fire began around 3 p.m. in the four-story building situated in the city's Back Bay area, at 298 Beacon Street, overlooking Storrow Drive and the adjacent Charles River.
The Boston brownstone blaze reportedly grew stronger as strong winds fuelled it. It poured from the roof and windows for several hours.
Pictures from the Boston Fire Department show a towering column of smoke at the site of the Boston flame.
A group of firefighters got trapped by the in the basement while fighting the huge flame, the Boston Globe reported.
USA Today reported that the blaze started in the basement and crept its way up, consuming the rest of the structure.
Boston EMS Spokesman Nick Martin said at least 18 people - all police officers or firefighters - were rushed to local hospitals.
Two firefighters were declared dead, as confirmed by Councilor Josh Zakim.
WCVB-TV reported that one firefighter suffered from cardiac arrest as his colleagues loaded him into an ambulance.
The Boston Police Patrolman's Association tweeted condolences to the Boston Fire Department.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to our Brothers in the Boston Fire Department. Words cannot express our sorrow for the loss of these heroes!"
Amid the strong 45mph winds and the cold temperature, several people gathered as firefighters work from outside the building being consumed by the Boston brownstone blaze.
Details on the identities of the dead firefighters and the 16 hospitalized rescuers are still not available as of late.
