'Everything was on fire': Resident describes evacuation from apartment

TAUNTON, Mass. —

Several people were rescued from an apartment building by firefighters early Tuesday morning, according to a resident.

Numerous firefighters responded to the incident, which caused extensive damage to the Taunton Gardens complex on Hopkins Road in Taunton. The American Red Cross also responded to the scene overnight.

Resident Mark Messier said he was watching TV when he heard noises and the fire began.

"All I heard was a few big bangs, people were arguing. I came outside and everything was on fire," he said. "This has never happened, anything like this before. So, this is a tragedy."

Messier said he watched as several people were rescued by firefighters.

Further details from fire officials are awaited as the situation develops.