Fire crews fight a deadly City of Norwich fire in the early hours of Saturday morning. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – In the early hours of Saturday morning, two Norwich residents perished in a fatal fire at an apartment building at 19 Miller Street, while another person was injured after leaping from a second-floor window to escape the flames.

At about 2:07 a.m. on February 3, the Norwich Fire Department responded to a 911 call of a fire involving a car port, but when crews arrived on scene they found a two-story home on fire.

“The fire building involved a two-story wood frame, multi-family dwelling. During the initial attack and search a single occupant was located at a second floor window. As firefighters were preparing to ladder the building to assist the occupant, the occupant jumped from the window,” said Norwich Fire Chief Jan Papelino.

The resident suffered serious injuries and was transported to Chenango Memorial Hospital by ambulance for immediate treatment. The victim was then transported to SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse and reported to be in critical condition Monday morning.

Papelino said the first crews on the scene were confronted by heavy fire and smoke conditions.

“These conditions compromised search efforts and fire extinguishment,” said the chief.

A number of city residents reported hearing a loud explosion during the fire. The fire chief said he and others who were on scene were shaken by a blast. He could not confirm the cause, but speculated it was a medical oxygen container that exploded.

During the response the chief said a number of tenants fled the home, which may have consisted of three separate apartments. He also said crews were made aware of missing persons at the scene and an effort to locate them was made. He said two bodies were eventually found by firefighters.

“Unfortunately, the incident did result in the fatalities of two adult individuals,” said Papelino. There were no reported injuries to firefighters.

Along with the City of Norwich, the North Norwich, Sherburne, and Oxford Fire Departments were also called to respond. The Norwich Police, along with members of the Chenango County Emergency Services and NYSEG were also on scene.

Papelino said an investigation had begun with aid from police and the Chenango County Emergency Services Fire Investigations Unit. Officials have not said how the fire began.

“Fire crews worked for several hours to bring the incident under control,” said Papelino. Crews were on scene for about 12 hours, until about 2 p.m.

The American Red Cross was contacted to assist with the displaced tenants and provided temporary housing, clothing, and food.

More information will be released as the investigation continues.