The single-family house fire in the town of Nescopeck was reported around 2:30 a.m. Friday after what neighbors described as a loud explosion. So far three victims have been found and authorities say around seven people remain missing. Harold Baker told the Citizens’ Voice newspaper that 10 victims from his family – his son, daughter, father-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, three grandchildren and two other relatives – are expected to be found eventually. He said 14 people lived in the home, with one delivering newspapers at the time. The initial call to emergency services was to a neighboring property, but Mr Baker realized it was his family’s residence as the fire engine approached. “When we turned the corner here on Dewey (Street), I knew right away what a house it was looking down the street,” he told Citizens’ Voice. “I was in the first engine and when we pulled up, the whole place was fully engaged. We tried to get into them.” Mr. Baker was relieved of his duties because of his relationship with the victims. Neighbors reported seeing the front porch engulfed in flames after hearing the sound of the explosion. Some said they also heard a young man screaming in front of the house: “They’re all dead.” A criminal investigation is ongoing, police said, with officers interviewing survivors.
