Orange, NJ, House Fire: 3 Dead - 2 Of Them Children [UPDATE]

Three people - one adult and two children - were reportedly killed and several were hurt after a fire destroyed a home with 10 inside at the time, according to police and family members.

Jim Murdoch News12NJ ‏reported the news on his Twitter account Monday morning as firefighters continued to battle the growing blaze.

• Tragedy in Orange. Family tells me 3 killed several hurt after fire destroys home with 10 inside at time. @News12NJ

A search for possible victims was also underway at the blaze, which started at 240 High St. in Orange around 5 a.m. Since then, it extended to the homes on both sides of it, according to PIX11.

The Orange Fire Department has allowed a demolition crew to begin tearing down the home.

Members of the May family said their loved ones lived in the home for five generations. They told PIX11 News three members of their family -- ages 2, 7 and 55 -- are presumed to have died in the blaze.

A family friend told CBS2 that 10 people were asleep inside the house when the fire broke out around 5 a.m. Monday. Part of the house collapsed in the blaze that also burned a neighboring home.

The two young boys and their uncle lived on the third floor and were trapped inside, according to the report.

Officials with the Essex County prosecutor’s office are also at the scene.

The cause of the fire is unknown. Paramedics were at the scene treating multiple patients.

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.

Photo: Jim Murdoch News12NJ