A devastating fire engulfed a New Castle triplex early Sunday, leading to a dramatic escape for 12 residents and a tragic end for two pets. The blaze, which leveled three apartment units, broke out in the top-floor apartment of a building on Waldo Street, as reported by WPXI.
According to fire officials, the conflagration began when a resident awoke to find their couch ablaze. Despite the rapid spread of the flames, which eventually caused the building's roof to collapse, all 12 occupants managed to evacuate safely. However, amidst the chaos, two dogs perished, leaving their owners to grapple with the loss.
The early morning fire, first reported just after 6 a.m., also claimed the lives of two pets, despite four dogs escaping with the residents. The aftermath saw all three apartments within the building deemed a total loss due to extensive fire, smoke, and water damage, as stated by New Castle fire officials in a statement obtained by WTAE. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation; it is unclear what specifically triggered the destructive fire.
