The Centre County Coroner’s Office on Friday released the names of two people killed in a March house fire in Spring Township.
Melvin Emel, 79, and his sister, Evelyn Rees, 73, died in the blaze on March 28 that destroyed a home on the 100 block of Mulbarger Lane, where they both resided, according to Coroner Scott Sayers. Both died of smoke inhalation and the manner of death was ruled accidental.
The victims’ names had been withheld pending positive identification through DNA analysis.
Multiple area fire companies responded to the fire, and emergency responders learned while on scene that two people were still inside the residence, Spring Township police previously said. After the fire was brought under control, a search of the residence began and Emel and Rees were found dead.
The state police fire marshal was investigating the fire, and the cause has not yet been released.
