Elderly couple killed in Bucks County house fire identified
BENSALEM, Pa. (WPVI) -- Authorities have identified an elderly couple killed in a house fire in Bensalem.
89-year-old Albert Serventi and his wife, 86-year-old Eileen Serventi, were found on the first floor of their home in the 700 block of Kings Lane.
Fire officials believe the blaze, which broke out before 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, started accidentally.
An Action News viewer recorded dramatic video early Wednesday morning as flames engulfed several parts of the two-story single family home.
Firefighters faced a challenge as they arrived on the scene.
"The front of the structure was completely involved in fire," said Battalion Chief Rob Sponheimer of Bensalem Twp. Fire and Rescue. "They attempted to gain entry. They were met by heavy flames, so they went to exterior attack."
Soon, part of the second floor started to collapse. It took about an hour to place the fire under control.
Once they made it inside, firefighters found the Serventis in the first floor living room, which is where investigators believe the fire began.
Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
There was a power outage earlier in the evening, and a neighbor told investigators that the homeowners had a candle burning inside.
Investigators believe the fire was accidental. It's unclear if the smoke detectors worked.
"Speaking with family members, they did have smoke detectors," said Sponheimer. "We are unsure if they were working, but they did have them in the home."
The fire has been ruled accidental.
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