Officials: Gas Line Ruptured in Fall River Apartment Crash

FALL RIVER — Fire officials say the fire that broke out at an apartment complex in Fall River on Tuesday after a car had crashed into the building began after a gas line ruptured.

Officials say the car, driven by Judith Mauretti, 72, of Fall River, crashed into a utility room at the Four Winds Apartments at 5500 North Main Street at about 9:42 a.m. on Tuesday. The crash ruptured a gas line, which caused an explosion, igniting the fire.

Mauretti was pronounced dead at the scene. A 75-year-old passenger in Mauretti's vehicle was pulled from the car and transported to Rhode Island Hospital in critical condition.

Firefighters spent hours fighting the blaze, which reignited Tuesday night before being extinguished again.

Five firefighters were transported to the hospital, with at least one of them being treated for smoke inhalation.

All occupants of the apartment building were safely evacuated. No other injuries were reported.

At least 45 people have been displaced by the fire.