Marist College Fire Claims Three Lives
A fire near Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY, has claimed the lives of three young adults: two students and a friend. The fire occurred early Saturday morning, and Maris College officials are working to accommodate students and survivors.
The fire began around 1:00 a.m., Saturday and was reported to 911 at 1:30 a.m. When firefighters arrived they found three students inside the building: one upstairs, one trapped by debris and another downstairs. The coroner's office has ruled at least one of the deaths a result of smoke inhalation.
Police Chief Thomas Mauro told reporters: "There was no issue that they were aware of in the house when they went to bed." Four other residents of the house escaped and were treated and released by officials. The college is now doing its best to find them new housing.
Marist College is currently providing counselors to its students and postponing several events out of respect for the students and families. It has issued a statement on the school's website saying, "The Marist community's thoughts and prayers go out to the Block family, the families of the other two victims, and all those affected by this terrible tragedy."
Marist College is located in the Hudson Valley and "reflects the ideals of the founder of the Marist Brothers, St. Marcellin Champagnat: commitment to excellence in education, a pursuit of higher human values, and dedication to the principle of service."
