King County Medical Examiner identifies 3 people, including child, killed in Tukwila apartment fire
TUKWILA, Wash. - The King County Medical Examiner's Office has identified the three individuals killed in a Tukwila apartment fire on Aug. 17.
Firefighters were called around 5:00 a.m. to the three-alarm fire at the Maple Crest Apartments at 15100 65th Ave S.
Flames and smoke were rising from the roof of the building when firefighters arrived.
Residents who live in 31 units were forced to flee their homes. Four people were treated at the scene.
22-year-old Alixzandra Chalcraft and 3-year-old Elliott Chalcraft were found dead inside an apartment. Later, crews found the body of 41-year-old Roberto Sellem was found in the same apartment.
Sellem was killed as a result of toxic asphyxia due to inhalation of toxic products of combustion and thermal burns.
Both Alixzandra and Elliott were killed as a result of inhalation of toxic products of combustion.
RELATED: Firefighters say all three who perished in Tukwila fire found inside same apartment unit
Crews said portions of the roof began to collapse making it unsafe for firefighters to search the building.
Five people who were initially unaccounted for have since been found safe, authorities said.
Tukwila Police said officers evacuated certain nearby businesses along Interurban Ave S. as water from the firefighting efforts was causing landslide concerns on the hill.
The cause of the fire is also under investigation.
RELATED: Woman shares heartbreaking story of escaping Tukwila apartment fire
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.