Nicholas Rodriguez and Patricia Rodriguez Killed in House Fire on Sussex Way [FRESNO, CA]

House Fire at Sussex Way and Harrison Avenue Kills 2 and Critically Injures 5

 
FRESNO, CA (December 17, 2019) – A man and a woman were killed after a fire broke out inside a central Fresno home early Tuesday morning.
 
Around 3:30 a.m., fire crews arrived to a house on Sussex Way and Harrison Avenue to find it engulfed in flames. However, the cause of the fire is still unknown at this time.
 
Firefighters also say the cars and debris in the yard made it difficult to fight the blaze and get everyone out safely.
 
Seven people were later transported to local hospitals for further treatment. However, 31-year-old Nicholas Rodriguez, of Fresno was later declared dead as a result of his injuries.
 
Furthermore, the Fresno County Coroner’s Office announced hours later that a second victim, 25-year-old Patricia Rodriguez, later succumbed to her injuries in the hospital.
 
Investigators say five other victims were also critically injured. Four of which are Nicholas Rodriguez’s children. The fifth victim is his wife.
 
According to preliminary investigations, Andrew Chavez woke up to people screaming and saw his bedroom ceiling on fire. He then ran out the back door and came around to the front of the house. With the help of a friend, Chavez began breaking windows.
 
They eventually managed to pull the homeowner out. However, he was unconscious and covered in soot. His wife and kids had allegedly escaped on their own.
 
Authorities currently believe the victims suffered from smoke inhalation.
 
Moreover, Chavez remained uninjured. However, he reportedly moved in just a few weeks prior and lost all of his possessions.
 
Investigators are still digging through debris and trying to determine the cause of the fire. Officials are currently unsure whether the home had working smoke alarms at the time.

---

Our deepest condolences are with the families and friends of Nicholas Rodriguez and Patricia Rodriguez during this tragic time. We also wish the injured parties a swift and steady recovery.

---

At the Sweet Lawyers, we know you and your family are going through a difficult time. While you tend to your well-being and peace of mind, hire us to handle the legal areas of your situation. Our wrongful death attorneys are upheld by years of training and experience and will never lose sight of your hopes and wishes. Call us at (800) 674 7852 for a free evaluation of your case details.