Two Boston University students, one male and one female, were killed Saturday in a fire that broke out just after 5 a.m. in a South Campus apartment.
Another male student injured in the fire was listed in serious condition at Massachusetts General Hospital, according to the Boston Fire Department. At the families’ requests, the students names have not yet been released, according to Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore.
The fire was probably an accident and “is not suspicious,” said BFD spokesman Steve MacDonald.
The cause of the three-alarm fire at 21 Aberdeen St., which caused $1 million in damage and burned off the roof of the building, is being investigated by BFD, according to fire officials at the scene. Officers said buildings in the area experienced a power outage last night, but whether it played a role in the fire is still under investigation.
The fire, which MacDonald called “pretty intense,” began in the rear apartments on the top floor and released heavy smoke, he said.
Some of the building’s tenants — including 30 BU-affiliated residents — were sheltered this morning at the Sargent Activities Office gymnasium on University Road.
“It’s not our building, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t BU students or students from neighboring colleges living there,” said BU spokesman Colin Riley, who said the university owns a neighboring building. “Either way, it’s a terrible tragedy.”
Displaced residents asking for emergency housing have been sent to the Holiday Inn in Brookline, Riley said. As of Saturday afternoon, three BU-affiliated residents had requested housing.
The hotel is housing the residents over the weekend, and the logistics will be sorted out Monday, Riley said.
The university offered a moment of silence at tonight’s men’s hockey game at Agganis Arena out of respect for the two students who died early this morning, Elmore said.
In an email to the BU community, Elmore said, “The death of any member of our community is a tragedy that saddens us all, no matter the cause or reason.”
University chaplains will open Marsh Chapel to the public for grief counseling Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Staff reporters Matt Negrin and Barbara Rodriguez contributed reporting to this article.
Please check dailyfreepress.com throughout the day for updates.