BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety (BHDPS) and the Michigan State Police Fire Marshal is currently investigating the cause of a fire that killed three people in Benton Harbor Sunday morning.
The fire started just before 5 a.m. at 185 Bellview in the city of Benton Harbor.
The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety (BHDPS) responded to the structure fire, a duplex with a family of four living in the upstairs apartment.
Upon arrival, firefighters tried to enter the duplex to search for any potential victims, but the heat and flames were such that it prevented entry into the structure.
Moments after the apartment arrived, the second floor collapsed down to the first floor of the apartment.
Three of the apartment's occupants died in the fire.
The victims include a 30-year-old mother, a 15- year-old son, and a 12-year-old daughter.
The father was the sole survivor and has being treated for smoke inhalation and a minor injury.
UPDATE: The victims have been identified as Amanda Hackney, 30; Markese Dortch, 15; and Sha’tari Razor, according to BHDPS.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.
