Fire That Killed New York Girl, Disabled Uncle Started in Kitchen

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say a pot containing cooking oil that may have been left unattended on a kitchen stove appears to have sparked a blaze that killed a young girl and her disabled uncle in upstate New York.

The Times Union of Albany reports (http://bit.ly/2aaPPEy ) autopsy results released Wednesday indicated that 5-year-old Neytirea Manasse and 26-year-old McClintock Tyrerese Douglas died of smoke inhalation in the fire Tuesday morning at a Schenectady (skeh-NEHK'-ta-dee) home.

The fire has been ruled accidental.

Fire Chief Ray Senecal says three people were taken to a hospital with minor injuries after jumping from second-story windows to escape. Residents say they tried to rescue the victims but were beaten back by the smoke and flames.

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Information from: Times Union, http://www.timesunion.com

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]