Four firefighters killed in Houston motel fire

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

HOUSTON — Four firefighters were killed while battling a fire that engulfed a Houston motel and restaurant on Friday, and at least five other people were hospitalized, authorities said.

Flames were shooting from the roof of the Southwest Inn, along one of Houston’s most heavily traveled expressways, and black smoke was blanketing the area are firefighters tried to extinguish the blaze.

Three firefighters were killed at the scene, while the fourth died at a hospital, according to the mayor’s office and local medical examiner. Five other people were injured and are hospitalized for chest pains or leg injuries.

“It’s a very sad day for the Houston Fire Department and the city of Houston as a whole,” said Janice Evans, a spokeswoman for Houston Mayor Annise Parker.

The blaze broke out just after noon Friday at a restaurant and club at the motel, then quickly spread to the section of the building housing the motel. About 150 firefighters responded and were able to extinguish the blaze within about two hours.

The fire’s cause hasn’t been released.