High school student, parents die in fire at Long Island home: officials
NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- A high school student and her parents died in a fire that engulfed a home on Long Island early Thursday morning, according to officials and reports.
The blaze tore through a home on Washington Avenue in Garden City around 5:38 a.m. on Thursday, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said at a news briefing Thursday afternoon.
Twelve fire departments responded to the scene, Curran said. An 18-year-old girl, a 62-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman died in the fire, Nassau County police said.
Police didn't immediately release their names or say how the three were related, but neighbors told NBC New York the victims were a teenager and her parents.
In a letter sent out to parents and students, the Garden City public school district confirmed that the girl attended Garden City High School.
"This tragedy affects our entire community as we mourn this immeasurable loss, and our hearts go out to everyone who knew them," Superintendent of Schools Kusum Sinha wrote. "Death can be difficult for us to understand, especially when it is sudden. Many of us, including our students, may be confronted with a variety of emotions which might include shock, sadness, and confusion."
"Please know that our mental health teams of school counselors and psychologists are here for our students, staff and families in need of support as we all navigate this shocking news," the superintendent added. "We are strong as a school community, and I have faith in us to be available and present for each other, especially for our students and this family."
The fire "fully engulfed" the Garden City home, trapping several people inside, Assistant Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro said at the news briefing.
Three firefighters were treated at the scene, he said. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
"Again, it's a tragic fire," Uttaro said. "It's a good reminder to all of us, make sure your smoke detectors are operating at home."
