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The trio trapped on the third floor was 24-year-old Victor Gonzalez, his 25-year-old wife Giavanna Ricobene, and his 17-year-old sister Gabriella Cruz, according to Gay.
Deputy Coroner Michele Kirchner was called to the scene to investigate and certify the deaths at 7:39 a.m. "the exact number unknown initially," Gay noted. All three victims were pronounced dead at 8:18 a.m. on Feb. 7.
The fire had broken out in duplexes of 47 and 49 Columbia Avenue near the intersection of Reinecke Place around 6:10 a.m. City Fire Chief William Sleeger detailed.
There was a reported "mayday" call when a firefighter stepped in a hole in the floor but freed himself, according to Sleeger. No injuries were reported in this fire. One person escaped from duplex 47, according to Gay.
Regarding the release of the cause and manner of deaths, Gay said:
"There will be no autopsies but routine specimens were obtained for testing. Cause and manner of death are pending that testing, but it does appear that they succumbed to smoke inhalation and thermal injuries."
This is the first fire with multiple fatalities in the city this year, Sleeger told the press.
The cause of the fire was an overloaded outlet the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal explained to the press.
The chief estimates the cost of the fire loss for both homes to be over $250,000.
Chief Sleeger urges people to have working smoke alarms in their homes. Click here to request some for free from the America Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania.
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