Two sisters die in Gwinnett fire, 3rd girl critical

DULUTH - Authorities say a fire trapped three girls in a suburban Atlanta townhouse, killing two of them and leaving another in critical condition.

Gwinnett County authorities say the fire broke out Friday night around 8:00 at a townhome on Howell Park road in Duluth, trapping the three girls.

County fire and emergency spokesman Tommy Rutledge said that the girls, ranging in age from 12 to 19, were believed to be sisters. Rutledge said the mother was at home and reportedly escaped unharmed by jumping from the back deck.

Rutledge said two of the girls were pronounced dead at Gwinnett Medical Center. The third girl was being treated for burns and smoke inhalation and at last report was listed in critical condition.

The victims were not immediately identified. The cause of the fire was being investigated.