An early morning house fire in Sandy Lake Township today turned a quiet stretch of Walnut Street into a nightmare scene, leaving a mother and two of her children dead and drawing multiple fire companies to the intense blaze.
According to CBS Pittsburgh, Mercer County Coroner John Libonati identified the victims as 48-year-old Malinda Abrams and her children, 16-year-old Amelia Abrams and 12-year-old Leroy Abrams. The three were pronounced dead around 6 a.m., after firefighters discovered them inside the Walnut Street home while battling the flames, the coroner said.
WKBN reports that five people were inside the residence when the fire broke out at about 4 a.m. All of the family’s pets also died in the blaze. Officials have not yet released the identities of the other occupants or provided further information about their conditions.
Investigation underway
The Mercer County coroner said there is currently no indication of foul play, and the Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal’s office is leading the investigation, per CBS Pittsburgh. The cause and manner of death will be determined after additional forensic testing and autopsy results are completed.
Community response
Authorities released only limited information Thursday afternoon as investigators continued to work the scene, with more details expected once the fire marshal and coroner finish their examinations. Neighbors and local officials expressed deep sympathy for the family as the community began to rally around those affected and the first responders who confronted the deadly fire.
