Early morning house fire near downtown Fargo leaves 2 dead

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Authorities say two people are dead after a house fire near downtown Fargo. Firefighters responded shortly after 5 a.m. Wednesday to a report of smoke coming from the house. One person was taken from the house during the fire and died later at a local hospital. Later, while searching the house, firefighters found the body of another victim. Authorities say “content within the house” made it difficult for crews to battle the blaze. At one point two firefighters fell into a hole in the floor and were able to safely crawl out. The search was slowed by a partial collapse of the building. The cause of the fire and damage estimate were not immediately available. Officials say the investigation is ongoing.