Investigators are working to determine what sparked a three-alarm fire that killed an elderly couple inside their home in Reading.
Firefighters were dispatched around 8:30 p.m. Sunday to 524 Spruce St. for initial reports of people trapped inside the burning row home.
Two people, identified by family members as Pedro Morales and Miriam Vega, were subsequently found dead on the first floor, where officials said the fire started.
"No one deserves to pass the way it happened," said Maria Bultron, a granddaughter of the victims.
Family members held each other tight and wiped away tears Monday as they tried to come to grips with the heart-wrenching tragedy.
"It's a bad situation just words can't describe," said Wilberto Vazquez, Pedro and Miriam's grandson.
The fire went to three alarms before firefighters could put it out. Investigators, who told 69 News that they don't suspect foul play, have not yet determined what sparked the fire.
"We all thought it wasn't such a big deal, just a little fire, until I went down here and saw the whole roof off," said Vazquez.
Longtime neighbors consoled loved ones outside the home, which is now left charred and destroyed.
"I wish we would have been home. We might have been able to help them," said James Pachuilo, whose home next door also suffered damage.
Reading Mayor Vaughn Spencer paid his respects to the family as a memorial on the front steps grew Monday.
Both Pedro, 86, and Miriam, 87, were bedridden and lived in the home for about four years with two of their adult children.
Family members told 69 News the couple was married for more than 60 years. They said their daughter smelled smoke Sunday morning, but they could not find the source and hours later the home went up in flames.
"They were outgoing, friendly and they always liked to be around their family," said Bultron.
The Reading fire marshal, state police fire marshal and Reading police detectives are investigating.
from 69News:Home http://www.wfmz.com/news/news-regional-berks/3-alarm-fire-claims-lives-of-long-married-couple-in-Reading/30446460
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