Huge fire engulfs retirement home as shocked residents wheeled out by fire crews
A HUGE fire has engulfed a retirement home in Philadelphia as residents were seen being wheeled out.
The fire took place at Barclay Friends Senior Living Community in West Chester, Chester County.
The incident started at 4am GMT (11pm ET).
There are no currently no reports of injuries - residents were seen begin wheeled out on beds and wheelchairs as the blaze spread.
Over 20 residents have reportedly been taken to hospitals as ambulances began to surround the 700 block building.
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ABC
At least 140 people have been evacuated to ensure safety from the 40-degree heat of the fire.
A witness reported seeing multiple people rescued from the home.
Uninjured residents are said to have been reunited with family and friends at a nearby shelter.
Hospitals are being told to expect patients.
DEVELOPING: Massive fire engulfs senior living facility outside Philadelphia, sending emergency responders scrambling to remove patients from the complex. https://t.co/0XEhFukI1s pic.twitter.com/GmqHmh6gmt
— ABC News (@ABC) November 17, 2017
Large staging area. Many covered in blankets and in wheelchairs. 140 seniors had to be evacuated. @NBCPhiladelphia pic.twitter.com/p3LRD6ILdY
— Aaron Baskerville (@ABaskerville10) November 17, 2017
Right now, many families waiting for their loved ones to be loaded onto school buses from Barclay Friends fire. @NBCPhiladelphia pic.twitter.com/Jd0w1o0av5
— Aaron Baskerville (@ABaskerville10) November 17, 2017
The Philadelphia fire department was unable to comment when contacted by Express.co.uk.
The fire reportedly reached five alarms - this typically means at least four engine companies, two ladder companies, one assistant chief and a chief of operations.
More to follow…
