State trooper uses ladder to rescue man from burning building in Middleboro

MIDDLEBORO, Mass. — A Massachusetts State Police trooper was the first to respond to a fire in Middleboro overnight Tuesday, where he helped save a resident from the burning building.

Middleboro Fire Chief Lance Benjamino told Boston 25 News they were alerted to the fire at 285 West Grove Street at approximately 1:12 a.m. Tuesday.

When trooper John Hagerty arrived at the scene, he found a ladder nearby, laid it against one of the house’s windows, and helped a resident out of a third-floor bedroom that was on the backside of the house.

“It made a difference between life and death with that gentleman who was rescued,” Benjamino said.

It took 45 minutes to gain control of the fire, according to the department. Heavy damage had already been done to the second and third floors on the left side of the building, with smoke and water damage to the right.

Benjamino confirmed that that person was taken to a Rhode Island hospital for serious burns and is in the intensive care unit.

Authorities say there were at least 13 people inside the building, with many of them being veterans, and the owner lived on the other side of the house.

Benjamino says no issues while fighting the fire. The house was large and required a second search.

Lakeville, Carver, and Raynham offered mutual aid at the scene.

Firefighters encountered heavy fire on the first floor before entering the house. Shortly after, they had to exit due to the flames being too intense.

Benjamino says no firefighters were injured. According to the State Fire Marshal’s office, the fire started with an unattended candle in a living room on the second floor.

“We want to remind everyone to extinguish candles and incense before leaving the room or going to sleep,” said State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey, “given the early hour, we’re very lucky more people weren’t injured or worse.”

Boston 25 News attempted to interview the trooper but was told by a spokesman that Hagerty worked overnight and had gone home for the day.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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