Two Firefighters Injured As Fire Destroys Leominster Apartment Complex

LEOMINSTER, Mass. (CBS/AP) — Fire has torn through the old Columbia Hotel in downtown Leominster, severely damaging the building. A fire official says two firefighters were injured when a portion of the building collapsed.

The fire broke out around 10 p.m. Saturday. The building houses 20 apartment units on its upper two floors and businesses on the first floor.

Fire Chief Robert Sidleau says the firefighters who were injured were in a bucket on a ladder truck when a wall collapsed on them. He says medics who took them to a hospital said they thought the firefighters would be OK.

Sidleau says all residents made it out of the building safely.

The Red Cross says it assisted 14 adults with food, clothing and shelter. The organization will set up a service center Sunday to further assist residents who may need it.

Firefighters from more than a dozen communities were called in to help battle the blaze. The cause is under investigation.

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