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2 Firefighters Die, 2 Hurt Battling Delaware Rowhouse Blaze

The floor collapsed as the firefighters entered the building in Wilmington, Del. Two other firefighters were injured and are in critical condition.
Image:
Firefighters work at a rowhouse fire on Lakeview Road in Wilmington, Del., early Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, after colleagues were killed and injured while battling the blaze where several people were trapped inside, the Wilmington Fire Department said. (William Bretzger/The Wilmington News-Journal via AP)William Bretzger / AP

WILMINGTON, Del. — Two firefighters have died and four have been injured in Delaware while battling a pre-dawn fire in a rowhouse.

The Wilmington Fire Department said Lt. Christopher Leach, 41, and Senior Firefighter Jerry Fickes, 51, died in the fire, which began around 3:15 a.m. Saturday.

The floor of the home collapsed as firefighters went inside, and four firefighters fell.

Two firefighters were in critical condition at a medical center. Two others were treated at a hospital and one of them has been released.

Four children and one adult were taken to St. Francis Hospital for smoke inhalation.

Image:
Firefighters work at a rowhouse fire on Lakeview Road in Wilmington, Del., early Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, after colleagues were killed and injured while battling the blaze where several people were trapped inside, the Wilmington Fire Department said.William Bretzger / The Wilmington News-Journal via AP