2 Confirmed Dead in Ohio Racetrack Fire

Last Updated 1:36 p.m. ET

Authorities said two people are confirmed dead after a fire tore through a barn at Lebanon Raceway early Saturday morning.

Officials said as many as 55 horses may have perished.

CBS Affiliate WHIO said the fire was reported around 5 a.m. Saturday morning when a passerby saw smoke coming from the barn and called for help.

When firefighters arrived, the barn was engulfed in flames. Fire officials said the roof collapsed on the barn.

Investigators said it is possible that the fire started as early as 2 a.m.

WHIO correspondent Jean Paul reports the older barn housing harness race horses was made of wood but wrapped in sheet metal.

"Essentially it created an oven when this fire started," he said.

Fire officials said they managed to keep the flames from spreading to other nearby barns.

The state fire marshal is on the scene and working with local fire officials to determine what sparked the fire.

Races on Saturday have been canceled. However, a horse parade in Lebanon is still scheduled as planned.