New Haven firefighters are investigating a fire at a three-story elderly complex that killed a 90-year-old man who was not able to escape.
The flames broke out at Robeson Elderly Hall at 91 Rosette Street just after 5 p.m. Thursday afternoon.
The fire was contained to one apartment on second floor, where crews found Nathaniel Knox, who was in cardiac arrest, according to officials.
“They found a fire in that apartment and they also rescued an occupant that was in there who was in cardiac arrest,” Assistant Chief of Operations Matthew Marcarelli said.
Knox later died after being transported.
Police said Knox had prior health issues and it's likely he was not able to escape.
“He was my friend,” Desiree Jones, of New Haven, said. “He was our neighbor and our friend. My prayers are with his family.”
About 30 to 40 occupants were forced out of their homes and kept in a bus to keep warm until the Red Cross arrived to relocate them.
Firefighters said on Thursday that there was so much smoke and water damage in the building, they could not let the tenants back in.
“Truly we don’t know what our plan is,” Jones said. “We were taken away from our home. We are elderly people.”
Robeson Elderly Hall has 22 units. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but police said it was likely accidental.
According to city documents, the building is owned by Mayor Toni Harp's son, Wendall Harp.
