PATRICKSBURG — A fully-engulfed house fire claimed the lives of three people Sunday morning in Patricksburg.
Owen County Sheriff Ryan White reported first responders arrived at the scene of a structure fire in the 10000 block of Prichard Street at 5:12 a.m. Upon arrival, police and fire crews found a house that was fully engulfed in flames that had begun to collapse.
Authorities learned that three people lived in the house, but were not immediately sure if anyone was home when the fire started.
According to White, Cadaver dogs from the State Fire Marshal’s office were called to the scene and eventually located three bodies. All three victims are believed to be adults.
Autopsies on the three victims are scheduled for Tuesday. According to White, the identities of the victims will have to be determined through DNA testing due to the severe burns they endured.
An investigation into the fire is ongoing. White said foul play is not suspected at this time.
