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A fire at a two-family home in Somers, Connecticut Tuesday evening killed four children, according to officials.
The blaze occurred at 44 Quality Ave., around 10:20 p.m., Connecticut State Police Trooper First Class Pedro Muniz said during a press conference Wednesday. He added that multiple victims were rescued, including one adult, but four juveniles were pronounced deceased.
The identities and ages of the victims will be released by the medical examiner's office once an autopsy has been performed.
"At this time, it does not appear to be criminal in nature," Muniz told reporters, adding that authorities are investigating the origin of the fire.
Somers Fire Chief John Roache said at the press conference that by the time first responders arrived at the scene, the entire front of the house was covered in fire. He said that two juveniles were quickly located and removed from the home. One of them was pronounced dead at the scene while the other was taken to a hospital where they succumbed to their injuries.
Roache also added that two other victims were found dead inside the house a short time later. The fire was extinguished shortly after midnight.
"The house was an older construction with numerous concealed spaces, which allowed the fire to spread rapidly and took a little considerable effort to extinguish," he said.
A firefighter experienced a burn injury but was treated and released, Roache said, adding that the family had been notified and requested that monetary donations go to the town of Somers' Angel Fund.
Ahead of Wednesday's news conference, First Selectman Tim Keeney told NBC affiliate WVIT that the four victims were between the ages 5 and 12. Officials also told the outlet that all four were from the same family.
“It’s a tremendous loss for the town,” Keeney said. He added, per the news station, that this was “a tragedy the town hasn’t seen forever that I’m aware of. I’ve lived here my whole life.”
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont posted a statement on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, about the tragedy. “The news of the fire last night in Somers that took the lives of four young children is absolutely devastating,” he wrote.
”I am appreciative of the work of the first responders on the scene who provided aid during this emergency. My prayers are with their families and friends,” Lamont continued.
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In a statement obtained by the Hartford Courant, the Somers Superintendent’s Office said that “our Somers Public Schools Community is dealing with this tragic event.”
As a result, “our counseling staff will provide support to students throughout the week as needed. Our staff, students, and families will support each other as we navigate this tragedy,” the office shared.
PEOPLE has reached out to the town of Somers for comment.
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