Two women were hospitalized Thursday night after a fire broke out at a duplex in Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Firefighters responded to 334-336 Park St. at about 11:15 p.m. where heavy fire was showing in one of the units.
Authorities said the two women, believed to be a mother and daughter, were outside when crews arrived. They were taken to Lawrence General Hospital then to a hospital in Boston for treatment of serious burns.
Keishla Reyes, who lives in the other unit, said her mother woke her up to tell her the building was on fire. When they went outside, they saw their neighbors suffering from burns.
"I come outside and see the whole house — on the right side — on fire. And I just see my house burning down," said Reyes. "Something exploded and when I saw her, she was all burnt on her back."
Neighbor Coupe Sanders said he ran outside when he heard the explosion.
"I heard a boom. Heard people screaming and running — all you see is mad smoke," said Sanders.
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In addition to the two residents, one firefighter was also taken to the hospital with minor injuries. He was treated then later released.
Authorities said 8 people from Florida were visiting the two residents when the unit caught fire. Because the unit has been deemed a total loss, those residents have now been displaced.
Reyes' side of the duplex suffered smoke and water damage.
"We don’t deserve to be going through this. This is the beginning of the year. This is not the way to start the year," said Reyes.
Crews with Columbia Gas of Massachusetts arrived at the scene on Friday. A company spokesperson said a gas leak was discovered on the street but it does not appear to be connected to the fire.
The state fire marshal's office is investigating the exact cause of the blaze.
