A massive, three-alarm fire broke out at a Miami apartment building on Monday morning, and a building employee was found shot to death at the scene, authorities said.
Miami Fire-Rescue said just after noon that the fire at the Temple Court Apartments started on the third floor around 8:15 a.m. and was still burning.
“Upon arrival on scene, multiple residents were rescued and evacuated,” Miami Fire Rescue said in a post on X. Some were rescued from apartments, others from balconies.
NBC Miami reported that many of the building’s residents were elderly with mobility issues and had to be rescued from balconies.
Miami Fire-Rescue spokesperson Iggy Carroll told NBC News that more than 70 firefighters and 38 fire trucks were on the scene of the blaze as of 10:25 a.m.
The blaze has resulted in multiple illnesses, including one resident taken to hospital with smoke inhalation. In an update, Miami Fire Department said three firefighters were also taken to the hospital in stable condition for “further evaluation.”
A man was also found at the scene with a gunshot wound to the torso, according to Miami Fire Rescue. Temple Court Management identified the man as one of their employees, NBC Miami reported.
“We are still determining what caused these incidents and are identifying any other injuries. Police are investigating and we will assist in any way we can,” Temple Court Management told the outlet. “We are saddened by all that has happened today and our thoughts and prayers are with our team members and their families, as well as the residents of the Temple Court area.”
It is unclear where the victim was found or if the wounds were self-inflicted. Or if the incident is fire related.
Video from the scene showed smoke pouring from the apartment as firefighters tried to put out the blaze from outside.
Miami police were at the scene battling the fire and warned residents to stay away from nearby Lummus Park “to avoid harm.”
“The American Red Cross and Miami Police Department are responding to residents’ needs and gathering information to pursue accountability,” the Miami Fire Department said in a statement.
Miami Fire Rescue urged area residents to stay indoors if they have any respiratory illnesses.
The cause of the fire is unclear at this time.
