Two found dead after house explosion in Chicago suburb

Suburban Chicago house explosion: Two found dead in debris

Two people were found dead after a house explosion in a Chicago suburb on Thursday evening.

KENDALL COUNTY, Ill. - Two people were found dead after a house explosion Thursday evening in Chicago's southwest suburbs.

What we know:

The Oswego Fire Protection District was called at 5:02 p.m. to the 200 block of Fox Chase Drive North for a reported house explosion with people possibly trapped inside.

Crews arrived four minutes later and found a two-story, wood-frame home that had collapsed and was on fire. They immediately worked to put out the fire and began search efforts.

Officials said a natural gas line continued to burn after most of the fire was extinguished. NICOR responded and shut off the gas supply, allowing crews to safely continue their work.

After an extensive search of the debris, two people were found dead.

According to the Kendall County Coroner's Office, the victims were presumptively identified as 64-year-old James Fitzmaurice Sr. and 62-year-old Virgie Fitzmaurice, both of Oswego.

The coroner said due to their condition, positive identification and their cause and manner of death are still pending further analysis. 

What's next:

Multiple agencies helped at the scene, and the investigation remains ongoing. Officials said additional information would be released as it becomes available.