The Associated Press
ISHPEMING TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A fatal fire at a nursing home began in the curtains in one of the rooms, but it’s unclear if the blaze was an accident or intentional, police said.
The fire broke out early Monday at the 122-bed Mather Nursing Center about 360 miles north of Detroit, forcing more than 100 residents to evacuate in 14-degree weather. Two died of smoke inhalation and at least 70 were injured.
The victims, Margaret M. Sarasien, 87, and Harry H. Mattice, 79, lived across the hall from each other, two doors down from the room where the fire started, state police detective Sgt. Jeff Hubbard said.
Seven residents were still receiving care Wednesday at Bell Memorial Hospital, spokesman Rich Rossway said. All 36 residents admitted to Marquette General Hospital had been released, although some were staying at the hospital until other accommodations could be found.