Miami apartment fire: Suspect in custody after shooting employee and setting building ablaze
Firefighters and police officers arrived at the Temple Court Apartments building just west of Interstate 95 near downtown Miami after receiving calls about a fire around 8:15 am
A suspect in custody after shooting an employee at a Miami apartment building and then setting the complex on fire.
Dozens of firefighters descended on a four-storey apartment complex on Monday morning to comabt the blaze, which resulted in scores of residents to be evacuated.
First responders arrived at the building after receiving calls about a fire around 8:15 am, and began rescuing residents from the building’s balconies, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said during a news conference.
A man was also found at the scene with gunshot wounds and taken to a hospital in critical condition.
Suarez later said it is believed that the suspect shot an employee then intentionally set the fire. The individual’s name has not been released and police investigations are ongoing.
Shortly before 6pm local time the City of Miami Fire Department announced that the fire was “under control.”
Emergency response underway to massive fire in Miami
Dozens of firefighters are on the scene after a massive fire broke out a a four-storey apartment complex in Miami, Florida, on Monday. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said arriving first responders also found a man with gunshot wounds at the scene. He was taken to a hospital, where he was in critical condition.
Officials said the shooting is part of an active investigation. Follow The Independent’s live updates on the unfolding situation here:
Residents asked to stay indoors by fire department
Residents nearby to the burning apartment complex in Miami have been told to stay indoors by authorities as rescue operations continue.
The City of Miami Fire Department said it was continuing to work at the scene and that the Red Cross was assisting.
Watch: Crews battle massive apartment fire in Miami
Details of man found shot in apartment building unclear
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez confirmed that a man was found at the scene of the blaze suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the torso.
The man, who Temple Court Management later confirmed to be a bulding employee, was transported in critical condition to Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Police do not know if the injuries were self-inflicted or if there is a suspect in the shooting. It is also unkown whether the incident is related to the fire.
In addition to the person who was shot, 4 others required medical assistance, CBS News reported.
‘Tremendous amount of heroism’ shown by firefighters
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said that there had been a “tremendous amount of heroism” shown by firefighters, who had been battling the blaze since 8am on Monday morning.
The mayor told reporters at a press conference that the incident was the first “three-alarm fire in 25 years.” A three-alarm fire means that three separate fire stations responded to the blaze.
Authorities said over 40 elderly residents were rescued from the blaze, and some 20 individuals have already been rehoused.
Watch: Massive fire follows shooting at Miami apartment building
Pictures: Emergency crews on the scene in Miami
Suspect in custody following Miami apartment fire and shooting
An individual has been arrested following the massive fire at the Miami apartment building, and the shooting of one of the complex’s employees.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said it is believed that the suspect shot an employee at the Temple Court apartments at 431 Northwest 3rd Street then intentionally set the fire.
The suspect’s identity hasn’t been released.
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