Authorities in Hartland, Wisconsin said Friday that at least seven people were killed when a “four-apartment building” caught fire at around 5:11 a.m.
A criminal investigation is underway to determine the cause of the horrific blaze that saw 15 fire departments and nine police departments join forces to extinguish the flames.
Neighbors reported hearing a loud boom before the fire broke out; firefighters were met with “a large amount of fire” upon reaching the scene.
Residents were located inside the building and “on the balconies” seeking rescue but at least seven residents perished in the fire. Authorities said that this number could change.
“Unfortunately, this is a very active and dynamic situation, we’re still learning a lot of information as we work through this,” they said.
