INDIANAPOLIS
--
Three people were hurt Sunday afternoon when a house caught fire on the city's near-west side, Indianapolis fire officials said.
The blaze began at about noon in the 600 block of Holly Avenue, near Triangle Park.
Nellie Spears, 67, and her son, Lonnie Groce, 43, were home when the fire began, Indianapolis fire Capt. Rita Burris said. Investigators aren't sure what started the blaze.
"Nellie stated that she was talking on the phone when the fire broke out, and she has no idea how it started," Burris said.
Spears was taken to Wishard Memorial Hospital in serious condition, suffering from smoke inhalation.
Investigators initially couldn't fine Groce, but he was later found sitting on a park bench with a sheet wrapped around him, Burris said.
Groce suffered serious burns to his arms and was also taken to Wishard Memorial Hospital in serious condition.
"He was unable to offer investigators any insight as to what may have happened to cause the fire," Burris said.
An Indianapolis firefighter suffered steam burns to his ears and wrist. He was treated and released, Burris said.
The fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes. Damage to the house was estimated at $80,000.
The family has lived in the home for 35 years, Burris said.
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