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Update: Senior Homeowner, Daughter's Fiancé Killed In South Hackensack House Fire

UPDATE: An elderly homeowner and her daughter's fiancé died in an overnight house fire in South Hackensack, authorities confirmed.

The Agar Place fire broke out in the rear of the 1½-story home shortly after 3 a.m. and instantly spread, responders and neighbors said.

An off-duty South Hackensack police sergeant who lives next door to the victims tried to extinguish the flames with a garden hose, but the blaze spread too quickly.

Firefighters had to beat back heavy flames and extreme heat, in fact, before finding 80-year-old homeowner Teresa Savino and Anton Pechal (Merkulov), 29.

The fire raced through the Agar Place home in South Hackensack.

Damien Danis for DAILY VOICE

Both of them were taken to Hackensack University Medical Center, where they were pronounced dead. 

The homeowner's daughter, 44-year-old Giuseppina Savino, was hospitalized with smoke inhalation.

Firefighters battle Agar Place blaze in South Hackensack.

James Wood Sr. for DAILY VOICE

Agar Place, South Hackensack

Damien Danis for DAILY VOICE

The fire ravaged the home, collapsing a floor and part of the roof. It was declared under control shortly before 4:30 a.m.

CPR efforts failed after both deceased victims were found in cardiac arrest. 

Firefighters had to back out amid collapses.

Damien Danis for DAILY VOICE

Because fatalities were involved, the Bergen County Prosecutor's Arson Squad is investigating the cause, assisted by South Hackensack fire officials.

Mutual aid responders included firefighters from Carlstadt, Hackensack, Hasbrouck Heights, Little Ferry, Moonachie, Rochelle Park, Wallington and Wood-Ridge.

Firefighters had the South Hackensack blaze under control shortly before 4:30 a.m.

Damien Danis for DAILY VOICE

From overhead.

ABC7NY

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