Two die, five injured in Punta Gorda apartment fire

UPDATED at 3 p.m. with additional details.

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WWSB) - Two people are dead and five were injured in an apartment fire Tuesday morning in Punta Gorda, officials said.

The fire began shortly before 7 a.m., according to Charlotte County Fire Department spokesman Todd Dunn.

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office says a 911 call was received from a motorist who witnessed flames exuding from the Trail Apartments at 11021 Tamiami Trail.

When firefighters arrived, they were met with heavy smoke and fire, Dunn said. The fire was contained to a single apartment, Dunn said.

Two people are confirmed dead in the blaze, Dunn said. Three other victims suffered serious burns; two others were treated for minor injuries.

Investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s office and Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office are investigating.

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