1 Killed, 4 Injured In New Bedford Fire

Authorities say an early-morning fire tore through an apartment in New Bedford on Saturday, trapping and killing one man and injuring four others, including two children.

Fire Chief Michael Gomes said that the dead man is a 39-year-old resident of the second-floor apartment on Russell Street.

Gomes says firefighters received calls reporting smoke, people calling for help and heavy fire in the building shortly before 5 a.m.

A 6-year-old child and an 8-year-old sibling were among those hurt in the blaze. Their father and the older child suffered serious burns and were flown by helicopter to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment. Two victims were treated at the scene and released.

Firefighters recovered the dead man's body after the blaze was extinguished.

Gomes says the fire appears to be accidental, but authorities are investigating. The Red Cross is assisting those displaced from the building.