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2 people killed in massive house fire in Westmoreland County

SALEM TWP. — Two people died from a massive house fire in Westmoreland County overnight.

According to the county coroner’s office, the blaze broke out at the home in the 1600 block of Route 819 in Salem Township before 1 a.m. Sunday.

Firefighters battled the flames for several hours. The home became fully engulfed -- and the roof and side of the structure collapsed.

Crews found the victims -- identified as David Staats, 57, and Helena Staats, 84 -- inside the house. The coroner pronounced them dead at the scene.

It’s unclear how the fire started, and the state fire marshal is investigating.

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