Infant and toddler killed in Putnam fire

CT Police state that four people were taken by ambulance to a local hospital for what was determined to be non-life threatening injuries. However, it was also reported that two small children were unaccounted for and were believed to have been on the third floor of the building during the fire.

Connecticut State Police report that today (Jan. 22, 2013) at approximately 12:39 a.m., the Putnam Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a structure fire at a three-story, multifamily dwelling located at 6-8 Prospect Street in Putnam.

Police state that upon arrival, firefighters found the structure “fully involved” in flames.

The fire was brought under control, but the building sustained heavy damage.

Police state that four people were taken by ambulance to a local hospital for what was determined to be non-life threatening injuries.

However, it was also reported that two small children were unaccounted for and were believed to have been on the third floor of the building during the fire.

Putnam Fire Marshal Norman Perron requested investigative assistance.

Because the building was heavily damaged by the fire, it required stabilization before Troopers and investigators could safely enter the building to search for the children.

Early this afternoon, a 6-month-old child and a 3-year-old child were both found on the third floor and pronounced dead at the scene. Their bodies were transported to the Office of The Chief States Medical Examiner for a post mortem examination.

State Police Fire & Explosion Detectives and Eastern District Major Crime Detectives working with the Putnam Fire Marshal are conducting an investigation into the origin and cause of the fire.

Fire and Life Safety specialists from the State Fire Marshal’s Office also will examine the multifamily welling for any possible code violations, police state.

State Police Major Crime Detectives also are conducting the untimely-death investigation; Putnam Police are assisting.

Posted January 22, 2013

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