4 Residents, Firefighter Injured In Worcester House Fire

WORCESTER, MA — A woman is facing charges after police said she ran back into a burning home on May Street late Wednesday night.

Four residents and a firefighter were taken to local hospitals after a fire was reported shortly before 11 p.m. at 41 May St., a rooming house in Worcester, according to the Worcester Police Department.

One resident was transported as a priority one patient, which police described as the most serious level. Three other residents and a firefighter were taken to hospitals as priority three patients with minor injuries.

When officers arrived, the scene was "chaotic" and it was difficult to determine who was inside the building and who was a resident, according to Worcester police.

Police said that for an unknown reason, 37-year-old Sarah Beth Martinez ran back into the burning building barefoot. Two police officers went in after her and took her into custody, according to police.

Martinez was charged with obstructing a firefighter, interfering with a firefighter, resisting arrest, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct and two outstanding warrants, police said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and police have not released the identities of the injured people.

See Also:

• Worcester Man Charged With Cocaine Trafficking After Drug Search
• Worcester Expands Bulk Waste Drop-Off Hours For June Pilot
• Worcester County Brush Fire Burns 1.25 Acres