The deaths of five teenagers in a Genesee House Fire early Monday morning are being ruled accidental.
The Potter County Coroner’s Office confirmed the deaths of three boys, ages 14, 16 and 17, and two girls, both 16 years old, and released the names of the adult victims in the fire: Michelle and Charles Erway. The Erways reportedly suffered injuries trying to rescue the teens from the building and are currently being treated at Strong Memorial Hospital.
While extensive damage to the home is leading the cause of the fire to be “undetermined,” the State Police say that a problem with a wood stove in the basement of the building or its chimney may have been the cause.
This is an awful tragedy. So many young people lost and so much heartbreak for the family members. Thoughts are with them. I assume someone has, if they haven’t already, created some sort of fundraiser for the family.