The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s office is currently conducting an investigation into a fatal fire that occurred on Thursday in Bear.
Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio said the incident, which took place in the unit block of Eaton Place at the Clairborne at Lexington Farms development near Summit Bridge Road and Denny Road, resulted in the loss of one life.
At approximately 3:00 am, the Aetna Hose, Hook, and Ladder Company responded to the emergency call and found a two-story house engulfed in smoke. Tragically, there were two individuals trapped inside the burning house and two others were found injured outside of the home.
One of the occupants of the home, a 43-year-old man, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Another occupant, a 21-year-old man, initially admitted to the same hospital in critical condition, has also died.
On Saturday Chionchio said that the 21-year-old was pronounced deceased at the Crozer Medical Center in Upland, Pennsylvania, Friday afternoon.
The two others injured in the fire, a 38-year-old woman and a 14-year-old female, who were also residents of the house, were released from Christiana Hospital on July 20, 2023, after receiving medical treatment for their injuries.
Preliminary assessments have estimated the heavy fire damage at around $300,000. Additionally, two canines were found deceased inside the house as a result of the fire.
Chionchio said the fire remains under investigation.