Couple killed in SC house fire; daughter escapes
Posted: 07.30.2010 at 2:57 PM

GREENWOOD, S.C. (AP) -- Authorities say a husband and wife have died in a house fire in South Carolina.

Greenwood County Fire Coordinator Corey Grumelot told multiple media outlets the fire began about 3 a.m. Friday.

Grumelot says the couple's adult daughter ran out to get help but could not get back inside to save her parents.

Grumelot says firefighters searched for the couple for a few minutes, but the fire became too intense and they had to leave.

Authorities say 88-year-old Ronald Snelling was found dead by the front door, and the body of 83-year-old Ruth Snelling was found near the back door.

Grumelot says the daughter told 911 the fire appeared to start at a refrigerator on the back porch. Greenwood County deputies and state agents are investigating.

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