2 brothers killed, parents injured in Long Island house fire
WEST ISLIP, N.Y. -- A house fire on Long Island took the lives of two brothers, the youngest just 16, and left their parents hospitalized Saturday.
Police say a fire ripped through the home on Udall Road in West Islip just before 6 a.m. while a family of four was inside.
Video shows bright orange flames shooting out of the home.
"Upon arrival, they saw that both the first and second floor was on fire. There were also information given that there were two people trapped on the second floor," West Islip First Assistant Fire Chief Robert Celeste said. "Eventually, they found the victims on the first floor. Unfortunately, the victims, when they were found, succumbed to their injuries and died on scene."
Fire officials say two brothers did not make it out alive -- 16-year-old Kyle Dilegame, who was on the football team at West Islip High School, and 24-year-old Matthew Kreamer, an alumnus of the high school.
This district sent out this letter to families, saying in part, "In difficult times, we are stronger together. I know that we will each provide all of the love and support that we can while we navigate this situation as one West Islip family."
"Young family, you know, it's a shame this happened," neighbor Ben Calandrino said.
Officials say their parents, who are both in their 50s, were able to make it out alive. They were rushed to a local hospital with serious burns and smoke inhalation, but we're told they are expected to survive.
Saturday night, families in the community stopped by the home to leave flowers, say a prayer and pay their respects.
"Holiday season coming up. It's a tragedy," Calandrino said.
Firefighters say crews did not see any working smoke detectors in the home. It's still unclear if there were any.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Officials say no criminality is suspected.
In the meantime, we're told the school district will have grief counselors available for students beginning Sunday.
