Couple Killed In West Mifflin House Fire

By: KDKA-TV's Lindsy Ward and Shelley Bortz

WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. (KDKA) - Two people are dead after a devastating overnight house fire in West Mifflin.

The husband called 911 to report his house was on fire, then ran back inside to save his wife. Neither of them made it out alive.

According to Allegheny County Police, they, along with fire crews, were called to the home in the 1600 block of Lebanon School Road just before 4 a.m. Thursday.

Two people were reported to be inside the home and first responders were able to confirm a man and a woman lived inside.

The woman was removed from the home and pronounced dead at the scene.

A little before 1 p.m., the fire chief confirmed that the man, who had been unaccounted for, was found in the burned-out home and is also dead. Crews had to bring in heavy machinery to demolish the house piece by piece in search of him.

The Allegheny County Medical Examiner identified them as Carl and Victoria Bajus, both 78.

Firefighters were seen using chainsaws to cut brush and tree limbs as the home is located in a heavily wooded area. They also had to deal with early-morning fog in the area.

"When I first moved in the neighborhood the guy was very nice and came over, introduced himself, told me if I ever needed help to come see him," said neighbor Anette Blennfleck.

WATCH: KDKA's Lindsay Ward reports

That was the sentiment from several neighbors KDKA's Shelley Bortz talked to Thursday. One woman has known the couple for years and says their house was always the one decked out for every holiday. Another said the couple was always baking and would share their dishes with neighborhood friends. KDKA was told the couple belonged to a bowling league and would often be seen heading out to their weekly league with a friendly wave.

The cause of the deadly fire is under investigation.