SAUGUS — Tragedy struck on Richards Street early Saturday morning when a fire took the life of two elderly siblings, according to the Saugus Fire Department.
The man, identified by family and friends as Swampscott historian Lou Gallo, was in his 70s and his sister, Rose Naples, was in her 80s.
Deputy Fire Chief Thomas D’Eon said that both victims were found on the first floor of the Richard Street home.
According to the fire department, the fire started between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m. Neighbors reported a large bang before seeing that the house was on fire. Fire Chief Michael Newbury also said that an off-duty firefighter who lived near the incident reported seeing smoke in his neighborhood.
When firefighters arrived on the scene the front of the house was on fire and they noticed fire coming out of the windows. They entered the home through the back, the fire department said.
The state fire marshal stated that the house will eventually be torn down as the structure of the home was unsound.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
