For Immediate Release: 5/18/2022 2:16 pm
The investigation into the fatal fire on Gage Street continues.
The Medical Examiner’s Office has positively identified the four victims who died in the fire over the weekend. Detectives have notified their family members.
The names of the four victims are:
Joseph Garchali, 47 years old, of 2 Gage Street, apartment 3L, Worcester
Christopher Lozeau, 53 years old, of 2 Gage Street, apartment 3R, Worcester
Vincent Page, 41 years old, of 378 Sunderland Road, Worcester
Marcel Fontaine, 29 years old, of 2 Gage Street, apartment 3L, Worcester
Original press release:
WORCESTER - In the early morning of Saturday, May 14th, public safety personnel responded to a four-alarm fire at a six-family, three-decker home at 2 Gage St that left at least two residents deceased and three others injured.
Acting Deputy Chief Adam Roche of the Worcester Fire Department said that due to the structural integrity of the building, the fire department is still trying to complete a full search of all three floors of the residence.
As of 4 PM on May 14th, public safety personnel are addressing the remaining hot spots at the active scene where the residence is a total loss. The Red Cross is on scene to assist families displaced by the fire.
Buildings at 5 Eastern Ave and 4 Gage St were also damaged, though the severeity is not known at this time.
The Worcester Fire Department reported no firefighters were injured during the response and that the cause of the fire, which was reported at 3:31 A.M., is under investigation by Worcester's Fire Investigation Unit, the Worcester Police Department, and the office of Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.
Mayor Joseph M. Petty said he was heartbroken by the news of lives lost.
"I send my deepest sympathies to the families of the victims," he said. "Tragedies such as this affect so many lives and our city will no doubt come together to support those who are suffering from such an unimaginable loss."
City Manager Edward M. Augustus said the victims and their families will be in his thoughts and prayers.
Augustus praised firefighters, the Worcester Police Department, and Worcester EMS for their professional response. Nearly 70 firefighters responded to the call.
"Our first responders gave a valiant effort this morning, working to stop the fire from spreading, stabilizing the scene, providing emergency care on the scene, transporting victims," said Augustus. "While we are deeply saddened by the loss of life, we are thankful to our public safety personnel for their selfless and professional response which prevented more damage and tragedy."
Police Chief Steven M. Sargent credited the professionalism of the first responders for responding quickly and helping to ensure a tragic situation didn't become even worse.
"I would like to express my sincere condolences to the families that have lost loved ones today," said Sargent. "I appreciate the efforts of all the first responders that worked so hard to prevent further loss of life, including the Auburn Police Department who deployed their drone to assist us. We are commited to working closely with the Fire Department and our law enforcement partners to investigate the cause of the fire."
