On 12/10/14 at approximately 6:15 a.m., firefighters from the Thompsonville Fire Department responded to the report of a house fire at 68 South River St. located in the South River St. Duplex in Enfield. Upon the arrival of the fire department, firefighters found heavy smoke and fire coming from the front side of the building on first and second floor.
Firefighters entered through the rear of the first floor and made their way, while fighting the fire, towards the front of the building. Fire officials reported that conditions within the residence quickly deteriorated causing the second floor to collapse onto the first floor. At that time firefighters were forced to exit the building. A primary search was also conducted by a second crew of firefighters in the adjacent apartment, however there were no occupants found.
It was determined that four people were not accounted for at the scene. After the fire was suppressed, a search of the fire scene was conducted by firefighters and four victims were located in the fire scene deceased.
Orise Handfield DOB: 12/4/55 68 South River St. Enfield, CT cause of death Smoke inhalation. Cathy Armes DOB: 12/4/78 68 South River St Enfield, Ct cause of death Smoke inhalation
The identities of the two other deceased have been confirmed:
Joshua Johnson DOB 3/20/94 68 South River St Enfield, Ct
David J Cygan DOB 1/1495 68 South River St Enfield, Ct
State Police Detectives from the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigative Unit are continuing their fire investigation working with the Thompsonville Fire Marshal and Enfield Police Department to determine the cause and origin of this fire.
The investigation is ongoing.