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An investigation is underway following a tragic fire in Colonie that claimed the lives of three individuals and injured two others. The fire broke out on Monday night (January 27) at a home on Locust Park. Emergency crews arrived shortly after 8 p.m. to find the house engulfed in flames, with several residents trapped inside. Despite rescue efforts, three people were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others were transported to Albany Medical Center with second-degree burns. Their injuries are not considered life-threatening.
The cause of the fire remains unknown. According to NEWS10, Colonie Fire Company Chief Jeff Kayser described the residence as a hoarding house, which complicated efforts to determine the fire's origin. Chief Kayser also noted that this was the worst fire he had encountered in his 43 years of service.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims. The home has been declared a total loss and will be demolished after the investigation concludes. The Times Union reported that state and town fire investigators are on the scene, with mobile stations set up by Colonie police and the state Office of Fire Prevention and Control.
Residents are advised to avoid the area as Locust Park remains closed from Central Avenue during the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information, eyewitness accounts, or video footage of the fire is encouraged to contact the Colonie Police Department at (518) 783-2754.