Two people hospitalized following smoky Somerville hotel fire

SOMERVILLE, Mass. — Two people were sent to the hospital after a fire broke out at a hotel on Thursday afternoon.

Companies responding to the Holiday Inn on Washington Street around 1:20 p.m. saw heavy black smoke coming from the 9th floor, according to fire officials.

The hotel was immediately evacuated and a second alarm response was called, prompting assistance from Boston and Cambridge firefighters.

Firefighters utilized thermal imaging cameras to look for people on the 9th floor because the smoke was so thick. Crews found several people and escorted them to safety.

According to fire officials, one man trapped in his room had to break a window to yell for help. He too was safely located and escorted from the smoky building.

Two people were transported to an area hospital for smoke inhalation. They are expected to be okay.

The fire was contained to the 9th floor, but the units there sustained heavy smoke and water damage.

Hotel management is working to relocate customers who were supposed to stay at the hotel.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Somerville Fire Investigation Unit and Somerville Police, but it is believed to be accidental