ZION, Ill. — A tragic house fire occurred overnight, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and leaving one other person injured in a suburb designated as north of Chicago, as reported by local authorities.

Firefighters responded to an emergency call late Tuesday evening regarding a two-story residence in Zion, located close to the Wisconsin border, after multiple witnesses reported seeing smoke billowing and flames erupting from the building, according to the Zion Fire Rescue Department.

Upon entering the structure, fire crews discovered three individuals who were promptly removed from the scene but regrettably could not be revived. Fire officials indicated that they believe everyone who was present in the house has been located.

One neighbor was taken to the hospital due to smoke inhalation, as confirmed by the department.

Battalion Chief Rocco Campanella stated that the deceased were adults, although further details regarding their identities were not available as of Wednesday morning.

A resident, George Gregory, shared with local television that he noticed a loud explosion late Tuesday, prompting him to look out of his back window.

“I saw it lit up in the back. I thought it might have been caused by a lightning strike or something,” he recounted.

The emergency response was complicated by strong winds, which hindered firefighters’ efforts, and it took nearly four hours to bring the fire under control completely. The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation.