Four Die After Rogers Park Townhome Fire

Firefighters responded just before 4:15 a.m. to a blaze on North Paulina Street near 7000. Officials said crews had the flames contained by 4:14 a.m., with the scene secured around 4:37 a.m. Flames were limited to one townhome in a four-unit building.

Two men and two women were taken to hospitals in critical condition and later died. Their identities had not been released by the Cook County medical examiner’s office. Three people from neighboring units were displaced, and one pet was reported dead. Investigators are still working to determine what sparked the blaze.

A neighbor said he was awakened by people calling for help and heard glass breaking as the fire unfolded. Residents gathered outside, seeking information about those taken to the hospital and considering their next steps. One neighbor said people living in the affected townhome had celebrated Halloween together recently.