Fire in Benton Harbor leaves three dead

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. – Around 4:53 a.m., the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety responded to a structure fire that left three dead.

A duplex, in the 100 block of Bellview in the city of Benton Harbor, housed a family that lived in the upstairs apartment.

Firefighters attempted to enter the structure to search for any occupants and begin an interior attack, but the heat and flames prevented the firefighters from doing so.

The second floor collapsed down to the first floor.

Three occupants of the owner were pronounced dead. The victims include a 30-year-old mother, a 15-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter.

The father is the only survivor and is being treated for smoke inhalation and a minor injury.

At this time, no names will be released.

The case of the fire is currently being investigated by BHDPS and the Michigan State Police Fire Marshal.

BHDPS was assisted by the Benton Township Fire Department and St. Joseph Department of Public Safety.

BHDPS would like to send a special thank you to the BFTD and SJDPS for assisting with fighting a fire, and to the St. Joseph McDonald’s for donating food to the firefighters who worked the scene and the subsequent investigation.