AVON, Mass. — A father and his son died in a multi-alarm house fire on Freeman Street Tuesday night.
A spokeswoman for the Norfolk District Attorney’s office identified the victims as 70-year-old Louis Orelus, and his son, 28-year-old Vladmir Orelus. Another victim was transported to the hospital for treatment.
Louis Orelus is listed in the Avon tax assessor's database as the owner of the home.
Fire investigators say the fire tore through 52 Freeman St. just after 9 p.m., on Christmas night, burning out several windows.
A Boston 25 News photographer was at the scene as flames and smoke engulfed the home, with the front window completely blown out.
Avon Fire Chief Robert Spurr said firefighters faced heavy flames, especially in the rear of the home, and initially were not able to get inside. The front door was also locked and once firefighters knocked it down, they were faced with intense flames.
Vladimir's mother was told by fire officials that her son helped other members of the family get out before trying to save his dad.
"He brought them out of the front door. And we went back to get his father...[and] he didn't make it," a fire official said.
The family said Vladmir's son who had minor burns on his feet was transported to a hospital, where he is still being treated.
Jennifer Mieth, a spokesperson for the State Fire Marshal’s office, said in a statement Wednesday that Louis Orelus was rescued from the house and later died at a local hospital; his son, Vladamir, was found dead inside the house; and a third person suffered burns.
The Avon Fire Chief said the cause of the fire is unknown, but he did confirm that there were no working smoke detectors in the house.
A GoFundMe page was set up to help the family rebuild, and you can find it by clicking here.
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