2 of 5 San Antonio fire victims identified

SAN ANTONIO — Two of the five victims killed in a three-alarm fire Sunday at a senior apartment complex have been identified.

Five people were killed and 18 others were transported to hospitals after a three-alarm fire broke out at the Wedgwood Senior Apartments Sunday morning in the Castle Hills area north of downtown.

Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office identified Jose O. Gonzales, 73, and Karen Rae Betz, 74, as the victims, both due to smoke inhalation.

Of the three remaining victims, the medical examiner said the office has made tentative identifications but have not notified next of kin.

"I lived here for over 36 years and I do not believe that we've ever had an event of this magnitude in this city," said Diane Pfeil, Castle Hills city manager.

A Methodist Hospital spokesperson confirmed the facility received seven patients after the fire. University Hospital confirmed it received three patients, and two had been released. Three patients were taken to San Antonio Military Medical Center, and at least one more went to Santa Rosa Hospital. Northeast Baptist Hospital received three patients.

Firefighters evacuated the building Sunday by carrying some elderly residents out windows and down ladder trucks. About 75 people were evacuated.

Witnesses said there was smoke pouring from the back of the building. San Antonio Fire Department Chief Charles Hood said the third floor of the building was gutted and that doors were charred.

Officials said Bexar County and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will conduct the investigation on the blaze at the building that was in 1965.

There was no time to grab anything, residents said. The fire alarms went off, and people inside had to find a way out.

"A lot of people left without socks, not even a coat on," said Rosele Camara, a private caretaker.

It is unclear when residents will be allowed back in to the building.

Families were reunited Sunday afternoon at Churchill High School, where relatives found their mothers and fathers wearing pajamas, rattled by the fire.

By late Sunday afternoon, everyone was either home with family or in a hotel.