Downtown Somerville fire destroys several businesses, displaces over 15 people; Main Street remains closed

Residents and local business owners in Somerville are left picking up the pieces after a fire erupted Tuesday afternoon at a busy downtown area. More than 15 people are without a home and several businesses are figuring out how to reopen.

Borough officials believe the fire started at Mediterranean restaurant King Tut.

Main Street and the downtown area by the courthouse and county facilities remain closed Wednesday while officials continue their investigation. There’s no word yet on when the road will reopen.

Nearly 100 firefighters battled the blaze, according to Joseph Stitley, chief of Somerville Fire Department. Stitley says one police officer and two firefighters had minor injuries but are expected to be OK.

MORE: Restaurant fire forces evacuation of several Somerville businesses

Several nearby businesses had to be evacuated due to the fire. Somerville Mayor Brian Gallagher says two buildings were affected by the fire and multiple stores have been affected by water damage and smoke.

"The important thing though is that all of the residents were evacuated safely, and all of our first responders got to go home to their family," Gallagher said.

There's no official word yet on the cause of the fire.