2 Boston firefighters killed, 2 others critical in West Roxbury blaze

Watch the video

BOSTON -- An investigation is underway into what caused a restaurant fire that claimed the lives of two Boston firefighters last night in West Roxbury.

Fire Department spokesman Scott Salman says two other firefighters first listed in critical condition have been upgraded and are now under observation with non-life-threatening injuries.

Eight other firefighters with less serious injuries have been released from area hospitals.

The initial investigation indicates a 3 ton air conditioning crashed through the ceiling and sent air rushing in, creating a ball of fire and trapping the firefighters.

The men who died are identified as 55-year-old Paul Cahill of Scituate and 53-year-old Warren Payne of Canton.

Both served on Engine 30, Ladder 25, the first company to respond.

The four-alarm fire started around 9 p.m. at the Tai-Ho Mandarin and Cantonese restaurant.

A manager at a nearby White Hen Pantry saw the explosion.

"I ordered the food, I come back, I go pick up my food and then when I come I see all Chinese running from the restaurant," one witness said. "They said 'call 911!' That is when I called 911."