Lebanon city officials report four victims, two of whom were children and one a teen, were found dead Sunday after crews battled a duplex fire that affected another six residents.

At 8:43 a.m., Lebanon City fire crews were dispatched to 815 Church St. for a multiple dwelling fire with entrapment.

There were 10 individuals inside the residence during the time of the fire, according to Lebanon Mayor Sherry Capello. Several of the residents were guests visiting for a birthday celebration.

“With deep regret, I must report that four victims have passed away, one remains in critical condition, and one is in stable condition,” she said in a release Sept. 28. “The remaining four occupants escaped with minor injures.”

Capello added the four deceased victims were ages 1, 4, 17 and 73. Officials said names would be released at a later time.

The fire originated from an electrical outlet in the first-floor living room, with Capello saying it was ruled accidental. The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting with the investigation.

Several residents told the Lebanon Daily News that they could see smoke and flames billowing out of the duplex before fire crews arrived on scene. Upon arrival, both first and second floors of the were trapped inside the building.

Lebanon Fire Chief Aaron “A.J.” Sweitzer said crews found heavy fire and smoke, and a second alarm assignment was immediately requested.

“When we arrived, we placed three in-lines in service and began fire suppression and search of those reported entrapped,” he said. “During the first initial fire suppressions, we brought out three patients and they were transported to (WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital).”

Three more residents exited the duplex at the time of dispatch on their own before the fire department arrived, according to Sweitzer. Officials said that conditions began to deteriorate and crews were forced to withdraw.

“We had to pull back from the building due to fire conditions becoming very uninhabitable for us,” Sweitzer said. “We pulled out, and then we applied matching streams to the structure for about 15 (to) 20 minutes until we regained control of the situation. Then we went back in there and did more fire suppression, and searched for two more possible victims.”

Capello said another resident, who was not involved with the fire, collapsed on the sidewalk during the time of the incident. She was taken to Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center.

“On behalf of the City, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased,” she said. “Words cannot capture the depth of our sorrow for their loss. Our thoughts and prayers remain with all those impacted by this devastating event.”

The American Red Cross and Salvation Army were on the scene to support the residents.

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