3 dead, 1 critical after fire spreads to several North Philadelphia homes, police say

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia fire officials are investigating a fire that left several people dead in North Philadelphia Monday night. 

Fire crews responded after heavy fire broke out at a two-story rowhome on the 3100 block of Croskey Street around 9:45 p.m. The blaze then spread to several homes on the block, leaving behind charred debris and severe damage.

Police say two people, a 58-year-old woman and 62-year-old man, were found dead on the second floor as firefighters placed the fire under control around 10:22 p.m.

Three other people jumped from the second floor to escape the flames and smoke engulfing the home, according to officials. Two were transported to a local hospital where a 39-year-old succumbed to his injuries and a 34-year-old is said to be in critical condition.

Cause of death has not yet been determined for any of the victims, and the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Philadelphia Fire Marshal's Office.