The University of Massachusetts Amherst is offering free dining, housing assistance, and an emergency resource center for approximately 230 residents displaced by a fire at the Olympia Place apartment complex. Most affected residents are UMass Amherst students.
The fire started late Friday night and continued into Saturday. It began around 8:19 p.m. when 911 callers reported a fire in a four-story building under construction next to Olympia Place. The flames quickly spread to neighboring buildings within the complex.
The university stated, "We are grateful for the support of multiple agencies responding to this tragedy, especially first responders from surrounding communities who answered mutual aid calls."
In addition to the fire, several explosions occurred, likely caused by fuel tanks at the construction site. A construction crane also collapsed during the incident.
An estimated 230 Olympia Place residents were displaced due to the fire. The university is prioritizing their immediate needs with essential resources and support.
Amherst Fire Department reported, "230 residents have been displaced."
The university continues coordinating with emergency services and community agencies to support affected students and residents.
Summary: UMass Amherst swiftly mobilized resources to aid 230 residents displaced by a destructive fire at Olympia Place, emphasizing community support and emergency assistance.