AUSTIN, Texas — Two people are dead after being pulled from a house fire in South Austin on Wednesday afternoon.
According to the Austin Fire Department (AFD), the fire happened at a single-story home at 1006 S. Center St., near South First Street and West Ben White Boulevard, around 3 p.m.
At around 3:20 p.m., AFD said two people were removed from the house “under extreme circumstances” as crews searched for victims. CPR was conducted on the two victims.
Austin-Travis County EMS said one of the two victims, who were both adults, was taken to Dell Seton Medical Center, while the other was taken to St. David’s South Austin Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Both victims later died.
A third victim was later treated at the scene for minor injuries, and a fourth victim was taken to Dell Seton Medical Center with minor injuries. Another adult resident believed missing was later accounted for uninjured.
Three dogs were also removed from the house, including two dogs that died.
Two firefighters were also treated at the scene for minor injuries, including one for a knee injury and another for head exhaustion.
AFD said firefighters arriving on the scene encountered tough conditions, with heavy fire, low visibility and high heat. Hoarder conditions also made entry difficult for crews.
Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the fire but said there was no indication of any working smoke detectors in the house. The damage is estimated around $300,000.
Fifteen AFD units and over 45 firefighters responded to the incident, along with five ambulances. Crews remained on scene until approximately 10 p.m. Wednesday to ensure there weren't any remaining spots that could rekindle.