Two killed in St. Joseph house fire

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Authorities say two people are dead after a fire swept through a St. Joseph house.

The St. Joseph News-Press reports that the fire was reported Thursday morning. Battalion Chief Paris Jenkins says heavy smoke was come from the home and that the basement was blazing when crews arrived. He says one firefighter had to escape through a window during a rescue attempt after conditions rapidly deteriorated. The firefighter wasn’t injured.

Fire crews said a passer-by rescued one man, who was transported to the University of Kansas Hospital with possible injuries and smoke inhalation.

The fire is under investigation. Detective Sgt. Dan Sweiger says the bodies will be taken for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

This story was originally published March 6, 2015 at 8:56 AM with the headline "Two killed in St. Joseph house fire."