Houston, Texas—Two people died today when fire tore through their apartment unit. Neighbors reported hearing a loud explosion just after dawn. Firefighters arrived at the complex to find thick smoke pouring from the second floor.

Units from the Houston Fire Department fought the blaze for over an hour. They successfully contained the flames to the single building. Residents from surrounding units were evacuated as a precaution.

Paramedics treated several people for smoke inhalation at the scene. Two victims were discovered inside the charred remains of the apartment. They were pronounced dead by medical personnel shortly after extraction.

Investigators from the arson unit are now searching the site. They are looking for evidence of a structural failure or electrical fault. The damage to the interior walls appears severe.

Management at the complex met with city inspectors this afternoon. Residents gathered in the parking lot to wait for news on their belongings. Most of the building remains off-limits due to the risk of collapse.

Local officials expressed concern about the age of the structure. Records indicate the building underwent renovations three years ago. Those records are now part of the active criminal investigation.

The Red Cross is assisting those displaced by the fire. They set up a temporary shelter at a nearby school. City services are providing food and water to the victims.

Search crews finished clearing the structure just before sunset. The fire marshal plans to release a formal statement once the debris is cleared. Official records on the deceased are currently locked in the coroner's office.