Tractor trailer fire forces closure of the O'Neil tunnel

Around 11:30 this morning box 9325 was struck for the Southbound O'Neil tunnel for a fully engulfed tractor trailer unit. Upon arrival of state police, they reported the cab of the 18 wheeler was fully engulfed and the fuel tanks contained 130 gallons of diesel fuel. Ventilation fans have been activated and the fire has been knocked down. Overhaul is in progress. Todiscos towing is on location to remove the truck and trailer. For a time, all the southbound lanes were shutdown. The 3 right lanes are now closed while crews work to clean up the remains of the truck and so Massdot inspectors can inspect the wall panels. Companies were staged above ground as additional resources if they were needed. Traffic on I- 93 is backed up into Sullivan Square at last report.

Boston firefighters battle 2 alarm blaze in snow storm

At 10:09 this evening Boston fire alarm transmitted box 2263 for 4 Juniper Terrace. Upon arrival of Chief Mitchell, a 2nd alarm was ordered for a fully engulfed 3 story wood frame with severe exposure issues. Companies stretched lines to immediately protect exposures and went to work. Exterior operations were ordered and it was reported that power lines were arcing outside the structure. The main body of fire has been knocked down and NStar is on scene cutting power to the scene. So far no injuries have been reported.

Update-11:40 PM-Fire still continues to vent thru the roof. No access via ladder truck due to difficult access and issue with arcing wires. All companies still heavily engaged and crews are being rotated in and out for rehab.

Gas leak prompts evacuation in Fall River

Around noon today firefighters from Fall River responded to 4 Hartwell St for a strong odor of gas inside the structure. Upon arrival they evacuated the building and began measuring gas levels while the ladder truck began to ventilate the structure. Gas levels were reported to be as high as 87 PPM at one point and apparatus at the scene  had to be pulled back and be repositioned. The gas company was already on location doing work in the street when incident occurred. The power has been shut off to the building and a shelter for displaced residents is in the process of being set up.

Back to back armed robberies in Somerville

Shortly after 9:00 this evening Somerville police responded to the area of 153 Alewife Brook Pkwy (Route 16) for reports of an armed robbery. The victim; a female, was approached from behind by a Hispanic male wearing a mask and dark coat armed with a knife. The victim was relieved of personal effects and the subject fled eastbound on Route 16 towards the Arlington line.

Minutes later another robbery was reported in Davis Square.

Both incidents remain under investigation and more details will be posted as they become available.

Mercantile Bank in the South End robbed.

Around 9:40 this morning the Mercantile Bank at 1320 Washington St, in the South End was robbed. Conflicting reports of the description were broad casted over the airwaves but the one that garnered the most attention was a black male, 30-40's about, 6 foot 2, face was covered up. He was wearing black pants, black boots, a black puffy parka coat with a gray turtle neck underneath.

An undetermined amount of cash was taken and a note was passed. The subject fled on foot down Washington St towards Mass Ave.

Numerous possible sightings in the area included a male/female couple that were stopped on Union Park St and another possible sighting in an alleyway near 462 Mass Ave. Both of those turned out to be negative. Surveillance tapes are being reviewed and detectives from the Boston Police are investigating the incident as well as the bank robbery task force.