Indiana County Coroner Jerry Overman, Jr. has released some information on the fatal fire that claimed the lives of two United School District students in Buffington Township on Sunday.
Overman said the fire started at 2:23 in the morning at a home in the 900 block of Dilltown Heights Road. He confirmed that two children, ages 12 and 14, were trapped in the residence while everyone else was able to get out. Firefighters from Vintondale, Armagh, Brush Valley and New Florence were initially dispatched, along with Citizen’s Ambulance and the RIT team. Nanty-Glo firefighters were sent in later, while Clyde, Seward and Homer City fire departments were on standby.
State police fire marshals are investigating the cause of the fire. Coroner Overman said he would not release the names of the two victims. He has ruled their deaths accidental, but the causes are pending the results of an autopsy. Vintondale and Brush Valley fire departments returned to the scene at 6:04 PM yesterday as the fire rekindled.
The United School District is offering support services for students and staff who need them. Counselors and members of the Indiana County Stress Management Team will be available at the United Jr./Sr. High School today at 8:00 AM and on Wednesday when students return to school.
