UPDATE: Two Dead, Including Infant in Sartell Apartment Complex Fire Thursday Night

Originally published January 20th, 2023 5:11 a.m.

Updated January 20th, 2023 11:28 a.m.

(KNSI) — The Sartell Police Department says two people are dead following a fire at an apartment complex Thursday night.

Investigators say they were called to the fire in the 300 block of 11th Avenue East at 8:03 p.m. Inside the apartment, they found “a deceased male.” As crews worked to put the fire out, they found a baby and performed life-saving measures. The child was rushed to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

St. Cloud Metro Bus and the American Red Cross assisted the affected residents.

A resident we spoke with said they heard the sirens and saw heavy smoke coming from a third floor unit. They said the police response was large and quick and said squad cars lined 11th Avenue East and officers wasted no time running in to evacuate the building.

Police departments on scene included Sauk Rapids, Waite Park, Avon, St. Joseph, St. Cloud, the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. Mayo Ambulance and the Sauk Rapids and St. Cloud fire departments also responded.

The Minnesota State Fire Marshal is investigating the fire. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension was called in to assist in the death investigation.

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