By WSOC
The Charlotte Observer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two people were killed in a fire early Wednesday at an apartment complex in east Charlotte, according to the Charlotte Fire Department.
Burning candles were left unattended, which caused a fire in an apartment on Spanish Quarter Circle, fire department officials said.
Firefighters were called to the blaze around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday. The fire was quickly extinguished, but firefighters found the two victims inside the home. They were originally taken to a nearby hospital before they died from their injuries.
STRUCTURE FIRE UPDATE:
— Charlotte Fire Dept (@CharlotteFD) December 25, 2024
Charlotte Fire investigators have determined that the fire at the 3500 block of Spanish Quarter Circle was accidental, originating in the living room. The cause of the fire was identified as unattended burning candles.
The two civilians who were originally… pic.twitter.com/F3XX2Bk6P9
Three cats were also killed in the fire, according to CFD.
The apartment unit had a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector, but neither worked due to batteries being removed, authorities said.
According to the fire department, no other apartments were damaged in the fire.
The victims haven’t been identified yet.
CFD Reginald Johnson wrote on Twitter that the department expresses “our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victims.”
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