A three-alarm fire broke out at a Miami apartment building Monday morning and an employee of the building was found shot at the scene, authorities said.
The fire broke out at the Temple Court Apartments around 8:15 a.m. and is still ongoing, Miami Fire Rescue said shortly after noon.
“Upon arrival, multiple occupants were rescued and evacuated,” Miami Fire Rescue X said in the post.
Many of the building’s residents are elderly with mobility issues and need to be rescued from their balconies. NBC Miami reported. The fire broke out on the third floor of the building.
More than 70 firefighters and 38 fire engines were on the scene as of 10:25 a.m., Miami Fire Rescue spokesman Iggy Carroll told NBC News.
The fire resulted in several casualties, including two firefighters and a resident who were taken to the hospital for heat exhaustion.
According to Miami Fire Rescue, when firefighters first arrived on scene they found a man with a gunshot wound. Temple Court management identified the man as one of their employees, NBC Miami reported.
“We are still determining the cause of these incidents and we are checking for other injuries. The police are investigating and we will assist in any way we can,” Temple Court management told the outlet. “We are saddened by all that has happened. Today, our thoughts and prayers are with our board member and his family and the residents of the Temple Court community.
If the wound was self-inflicted, it is unclear where the person was found or if the incident is related to fire.
Video from the scene shows smoke billowing from the apartment building as firefighters attempt to extinguish the blaze from outside.
Miami police were working to put out the fire and warned residents against entering nearby Lummus Park to “prevent any further harm.”
The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
