Investigation Continues After 2 Killed In Hatfield House Fire

HATFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA — Authorities are continuing to investigate after two people were killed inside their home during a fire last week.

It remains unclear what started the blaze, which also seriously injured a third person. The individuals who were killed were later identified as 78-year-old Ghanshyam Patel, and 63-year-old Leenabahen Patel, officials said.

The incident occurred in the early morning hours of Friday, May 12 on the 2800 block of Washington Lane.

At around 4:24 a.m., police and firefighters arrived at the home to find "heavy fire conditions," and the two Patels still trapped inside.

Crews were able to extinguish the fire on the first floor, allowing them to access the second floor to search for the victims. They were found inside a second floor bedroom, authorities said. One was evacuated through the window, and another one down the steps.

Both were transported to Jefferson Lansdale Hospital, where they were confirmed dead.

The third victim was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Cedar Crest, where he remains in unknown condition.

The Hatfield Township Fire Marshal is leading the investigation with assistance from the Lansdale and Upper Gwynedd fire marshals, the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal, and the Hatfield Township Police Department.