LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Authorities have released the names of two people found dead after a fire in Louisville's Chickasaw neighborhood early Monday morning.
Seven-year-old Kakozi Alinoti and 65-year-old Micheli Lwangila were pronounced dead at the scene, after a fire tore through a 1.5 story home in the 1100 block of Cecil Avenue, off Hale Avenue near S. 42nd Street.
The coroner's report indicates that the cause and manner of death are still pending.
The first reports of the fire came in at 5:47 a.m., according to Louisville Fire and Rescue Chief Brian O'Neill, who said people were still inside the home when firefighters arrived three minutes after the first call was received.
Crews entered through the front door and second story window, where they found and removed three victims while fighting the flames from the inside with handheld hoses.
O'Neill said another adult was taken to UofL Hospital's burn unit in critical condition, but there's no update on that person's condition at this time.
The victims were found in different areas of the home, and were not in the same room.
O'Neill said other people were able to escape from the home but their names, ages, and relationships aren't known at this time.
Officials said Monday that they believe the fire started in the front living room on the first floor, and may have been caused by a space heater -- either combustibles igniting near the heater or an electrical malfunction.
Louisville Fire confirmed the fire was accidental.
"The investigation will be going on for some time," O'Neill said. "We've got other agencies involved. That's one thing, that Metro agencies work very well together from the dispatchers that took the initial call to the police and EMS on the scene and then we've got arson and police working together on the investigation."
O'Neill said the home was equipped with working smoking detectors.
Copyright 2023 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
