Smoke Detector Was Broken In Fatal Hatfield House Fire, Cause Still Unknown

HATFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA — The origin and cause of the fire inside a Hatfield Township home that left two residents dead last week has still not yet been determined, authorities said in their latest update on their ongoing investigation into the tragedy.

However, the township Fire Marshal's Office did say that one of the home's two smoke detectors was faulty and did not alert rsidents to the incident.

"We urge you to please test your smoke detectors. Smoke detectors are only good for an estimated 10 years," the Hatfield Volunteer Fire Company said in a statement in response to the findings. "The batteries should be changed at least once a year unless they have a 10-year lithium ion battery."

A second smoke detector was functioning, but was located in the basement. The victims, 78-year-old Ghanshyam Patel, and 63-year-old Leenabahen Patel, were found in a second-floor bedroom, two stories away.

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 was treated and later released.

The Montgomery County Coroner's Office has not yet released autopsy reports on the two victims.