Massive Fire in Amherst Displaces Over 200
On Friday evening, multiple fire departments in the Amherst area responded to a severe fire on Olympia Drive. Around 230 people, mostly students from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, were left homeless due to the blaze.
Incident Details
The fire broke out at a building under construction around 8:00 p.m. Upon arrival, officials found the building engulfed in flames, which quickly spread to nearby structures. Explosions and shattering glass were heard, caused by fuel tanks located at the construction site. These explosions also led to the collapse of a construction crane.
University Response
“Olympia Place residents have immediate access to all dining commons at no cost, and an on-campus emergency resource center will be opened at noon today to centralize critical student needs including housing, medication, clothing, academic accommodations, counseling, and more. Student residents of Olympia Place will be contacted directly this morning with the location of the emergency resource center; we ask that only residents of Olympia Place use this space out of respect for the needs of those most directly affected,”
said UMass Amherst spokesperson Emily Gest.
Support Measures
- Free access to all dining facilities for displaced residents.
- Opening of an emergency resource center on campus to assist with housing, medication, clothing, academic accommodations, and counseling.
- Direct communication to affected residents regarding the resource center location.
Community Impact
The fire's rapid spread and destructive explosions severely impacted the student community, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated support and recovery efforts.
Summary: A devastating fire at a construction site on Olympia Drive left over 200 UMass Amherst students homeless, triggering swift emergency responses and university-provided aid to support the displaced individuals.