Press release
On January 16th, 2019 at approximately 6:21pm the Albion Police Department and Albion Fire Department were dispatched to 5 Elmwood Avenue in the Village of Albion for the report of heavy smoke coming from the residence and possible explosions. At approximately 6:24pm, Albion Police Officers arrived on scene and did find one male and one female victim in the front yard suffering from burn injuries. The male and female are identified as Vincenzo Spampanato, 81 and Felicia Spampanato, 72, the residents of the home.
Vincenzo Spampanato was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight. Felicia Spampanato was transported by the Central Orleans Volunteer Ambulance (COVA) to Strong Memorial Hospital.
At the time of this release, both victims remain in guarded condition at the Strong Memorial Hospital Burn Unit.
The initial investigation has revealed that Vincenzo Spampanato was performing maintenance on a gas heating appliance in the basement of the residence when an explosion occurred, ultimately resulting in the house catching fire and becoming heavily involved in fire.
The Investigation into the cause of the explosion and resulting fire is being conducted by the Albion Police Department, Orleans County Fire Investigation Unit, Orleans County Emergency Management Office, New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control and New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG).
The investigation is on-going at this time.