Two people died and one was in critical condition after a house fire overnight in northwest suburban Streamwood, officials said.
Authorities identified Dale Wians, 74, and Brandon Wians, 29, as the residents who died in the fire, according to a news release from Streamwood Public Safety.
Firefighters responded to the house on North Green Meadows Boulevard about 1:15 a.m. Tuesday after receiving a report of “people trapped” inside a burning home, Streamwood Fire Chief Mike Meyer said. When the first engine arrived, firefighters encountered heavy smoke inside the two-story house.
Fire crews made entry with a hose line to battle the blaze and search for victims, Meyer said.
A large fire was extinguished in the basement, and three people were found in the home. Paramedics performed lifesaving measures on all three but two died from their injuries, Meyer said. The surviving occupant was taken in critical condition to St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, according to the Fire Department.
A hospital spokeswoman declined to comment on the surviving occupant’s condition Tuesday afternoon.
Streamwood resident Abel Escobar, who lives half a block away, said a couple and their adult son lived in the home. He said the couple often pushed their son, who appeared to be disabled, around the block on a special bicycle without pedals.
“To hear it’s them is heartbreaking,” Escobar said. “They were so warm.”
Shortly before noon, a neighbor placed a bouquet of flowers near the front door, which had been boarded up.
The home was significantly damaged and a preliminary estimate of damage was about $150,000.
Several area fire departments helped battle the blaze. State fire marshals also responded to the scene and are investigating to determine the cause of the blaze.
Investigators do not believe the fire was suspicious, authorities said.
