2 Brothers Killed In House Fire In New Britain: UPDATE

NEW BRITAIN, CT — A fire has claimed the lives of two brothers including a local high school student, according to media reports. Fire broke out at a house at 73 Elam Street Sunday evening.

Three firefighters suffered injuries in the blaze and one was briefly hospitalized after falling off of the roof, officials said. Mayor Erin Stewart informed the community of the tragic news. "I am so sorry to be writing this. We have confirmed two fatalities in the fire. We pray for the families affected by this awful tragedy."

Details about how the fire started remain under investigation. But what is known is that a 17-year-old New Britain High School student and his brother, who was 29-years-old, were killed in the fire, reports NBC Connecticut. Both men were trapped in the second floor of the house as the fire broke out. A female family member was able to exit the house and find safety, the Connecticut Post reports.

Firefighters did heroically enter the burning home in an attempt to save the brothers but the conditions quickly worsened and they had to depart, the CT Post reports. Reports indicate that the 17-year-old went back into the home in an effort to try and help his brother who has special needs, WTNH News 8 reports.

Grief counselors were present at the school Monday. Glendalys Rodriguez of New Britain, told WFSB 3 TV that one of the teens that died was her son's best friend.

"He was going to graduate with my son this year so I just came here to pay my respects to the mom because I’m a mother too," said Rodriguez, according to WFSB 3 TV.

Fire Chief Raul Ortiz told NBC CT that "This is one of those times where the community does come together.” He also said that that fire investigators are working around the clock to give the family some answers as to what caused the fire.

"We're going to go through this with a fine-tooth comb, and try to give the family some closure. Give them some answers that they so desperately need at this moment," Ortiz said via WTNH News 8.

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