In STREAMWOOD, Ill. (WLS), a tragic event unfolded as a fire tore through a home in the northwestern suburbs, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and leaving another in critical condition.

The blaze erupted around 1:16 a.m., and upon arrival, firefighters encountered visible smoke at the location on the 1200-block of North Green Meadows Boulevard, stated Streamwood Fire Chief Mike Meyer.

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According to fire officials, when they reached the two-story house situated at a corner, both smoke and flames were emanating from the basement. Firefighters discovered three people trapped inside.

Despite paramedics’ efforts to administer life-saving procedures to all three victims, two unfortunately succumbed to their injuries, while the third person was transported to the hospital in critical condition.

“I was like no it can’t be, it can’t be,” said Abel Escobar, a nearby resident. “It’s heartbreaking again because we saw them literally like three days ago.”

Several neighbors said a couple has lived in this home for decades with their adult son who is wheelchair bound.

The family often spends time outside are friendly, kind and devoted parents, ABC7 has been told.

The Illinois State Fire Marshal is investigating how this happened while board-up crews work to repair the damage left behind.

“We are sad because we see these neighbors every couple of days walking around taking their morning walks,” Escobar continued. “Our children playing in the front yard and we would say hey kids say hello to the neighbors. They always come and chat with us. But it’s heartbreaking because it could happen to anybody.”

It began, fire officials believe, as a basement fire but the exactly cause is still unclear as officials are actively investigating.

Three people were found in the home, with two being pronounced dead and a third transported to a hospital in critical condition..

Several agencies assisted Streamwood, including the Bartlett, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, and East Dundee fire departments.

The Illinois State Fire Marshal is also assisting in the investigation.