NTSB investigates deadly house fire in northwest Atlanta

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Two people were found dead after a fire ripped through a one-story Atlanta home Saturday morning.

According to Atlanta Fire Rescue, fire crews responded to the 900 block of Bolton Road NW around 8:38 a.m. and found heavy flames coming from the home upon arrival.

“During a primary search of the home, firefighters found two deceased victims in a front room on the left side of the home. The first victim was discovered in a front room on the right side of the home and firefighters found the second victim in a front room on the left side of the home,” Atlanta Fire confirmed.

Atlanta Gas uncovered a gas leak, according to officials.

“They were out here digging it up and other stuff,” one neighbor said.

Sharon Wharton and her son didn’t know the neighbors personally, but she says more should have been done to prevent the gas leak.

“It should have been fixed. Certain houses should be fixed because I’ve been looking for a home myself,” she said. “Certain houses just aren’t built right, and you’ve got slum landlords,” said Wharton.

Meanwhile, neighbors along Bolton Road tell Atlanta News First they are keeping the victims in their hearts and minds.

“Right now, they are in my prayers,” said one neighbor.

Odeisha Coats lives next door to the home. She recalls what authorities told her on Saturday.

“They told us hey it’s not safe for you guys to be home because it’s an active gas leak and we are asking everyone on this block, on this street to just for a moment relocate,” she said.

She also remembers what her neighbor would say to her before she took her young daughter to ballet class on weekends.

“Hey pretty girl, have a great day now, dance your butt off! Obviously, that didn’t happen Saturday,” said Coats.

Atlanta Fire officials say the victims are a male and a female. Their identities have not been released at this time.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now getting involved in the investigation. Although the gas leak is suspected, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The NTSB released a statement:

Due to the possible complexity of pipeline accidents and the extensive nature of the investigation process, a pipeline accident investigation often requires 12 to 24 months to complete. The NTSB has the authority to designate organizations, corporations, or agencies as parties to the investigation. Only representatives who can provide technical or specialized expertise are permitted to serve as a party member and report directly to the NTSB. The NTSB will not determine the cause of an accident while on scene.

A preliminary report is expected within 30 days. Stay with Atlanta News First for updates as they become available.