Elderly couple dies in hospital after house fire in Salisbury

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) — An 85-year-old man and his wife died Friday after their home caught on fire in Salisbury, according to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal.

Minutes after 2 p.m. on Sept. 5, the Salisbury Fire Department and surrounding departments were dispatched to a fire in the 1300 block of Middleneck Drive after a neighbor called 911.

There, units found heavy flames throughout a two-story house.

Firefighters entered the house and rescued both homeowners. Both victims were taken to medics, who performed CPR before rushing the pair to the hospital.

Despite life-saving measures, the couple, an 85-year-old man and his 79-year-old wife, died.

Officials determined that the fire ignited in the living room, but the exact cause remains under investigation.

The Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal said that there is no evidence the fire was intentionally set, and investigators are focusing on possible accidental causes, including an overloaded electrical surge.

No smoke alarms were located inside the home, according to officials.

This deadly fire came a week after and nearly five miles away from where a house fire in Parsonsburg claimed the life of an 11-year-old boy.

Our hearts break for the victims and their families,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray. “This tragedy is a devastating reminder of the importance of working smoke alarms and practicing fire safety. Please check your smoke alarms, create an escape plan, and practice it regularly. If a fire breaks out – get out and stay out.”

The couple’s name has not yet been released, as of Friday.