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Halloween party fire claims 5 lives in Maine

02 November 2014 04:58 (UTC +04:00)

The fire started at a two-story residence in Portland on Friday, Halloween, a spokeswoman for the Portland City Manager said on Saturday.

The spokeswoman added that Portland firefighters arrived at the scene as the fire was already in an advanced stage after calls to report it started at 7:17 am.

Stephen McCausland, a spokesman for the state Department of Safety, said the party started at the 90-year-old structure near the University of Southern Maine on Friday.

McCausland said five were confirmed dead while the critically burned victim was taken to a hospital in Boston, about 100 miles south, and was being treated for severe burns.

"We do not know whether the victims are residents of the home or guests," he noted, as officials were trying to identify the five and notify their families.

The Portland Fire Department said seven tenants fled the building and another injured was treated and released.

According to Portland Press Herald, one survived by jumping out of the second-floor window.

"It's a tragic situation. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the families of those injured in this tragedy. We're still getting information in," said Chris Quint, a spokesman for the nearby university.