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1 Killed, 2 Escape Overnight House Fire

BRAINTREE (CBS) – Neighbor Joe Godas recalled the horrific scene when fire ripped through a Braintree home Sunday night, killing one man.

Authorities say Colin Gray Jr., 45, died in the blaze on Nicholas Road and his elderly parents were able to escape.

"I saw some blue lights flashing over in the corner there and looked out the window to check out what was going on, and I noticed that the whole side of the house was up in flames," Godas told WBZ-TV.

 

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The scene of the deadly fire on Nicholas Road in Braintree (Photo Courtesy: Joe Godas)

The flames were "popping out from underneath the roof, blazing pretty good," Godas said.

First responders arrived at the residence on Nicholas Road to heavy smoke and flames just before 11 p.m., said Braintree Deputy Fire Chief Robert Belanger.

The elderly couple, as well as two police officers, were hospitalized for smoke inhalation as a precaution. The officers reportedly ran into the house to rescue the elderly couple.

"When the first alarm units made their interior attack, they were met with heavy fire conditions in the room of origin, which is where the fatality occurred," Belanger said.

"I just feel bad that something like this would happen in my neighborhood," said one woman.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Officials said there was no evidence of smoke detectors in the home.

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