AT LEAST SEVEN DEAD IN HUNTINGTON FIRE - Marshall University Students Occupied Building

(01/14/2007)
10 AM - Marshall University students were occupying a Huntington apartment building destroyed by fire last night in which at least seven people have died.

Rescue workers and firemen are searching the building now for more victims.

More than 100 people were in the building.

The fire broke out in the 64-unit Emmons Jr. Building about 11 p.m. Saturday.

WSAZ says it is the worst fire to hit the town in 50 years.

Firemen rescued dozens of residents from upper story levels, mostly with ladders.

At least two or three are in local hospitals.

"It is a sad day for Huntington," said Huntington fire investigator Dave Bias, praising his firefighters for valiant rescue efforts and dozens of regional fire departments that came to fight the fire and cover the river city.

The adjoining Emmons Sr. Building was saved.

Marshall University issued a statement saying "Our thoughts and prayers are with those families who lost loved ones."

Marshall has an information phone open 696-4357.

See video clips and late updates on WSAZ TVs web site www.wsaz.com