UPDATE (4 p.m.): Belleville Police officials have confirmed the road has been cleared and reopened.
Two women, both 72 years old, were taken to hospital after escaping the home.
One of the females reportedly sustained critical injuries and has since succumbed to her injuries, while the other woman had to be treated for serious injuries.
A third individual was uninjured.
Belleville Police are assisting the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office with the investigation into the cause of the fire.
ORIGINAL STORY
Belleville Firefighters are battling a large house fire this morning (Thursday) in the east end.
Crews responded to the scene of an active house fire in the 200 block of William Street (near Queen Street) around 5:30 am.
Firefighters removed one person from the house while two others were able to escape on their own.
Two people were taken to the hospital with unknown injuries by Hastings Quinte Paramedics.
Belleville Police have shut down the area around William and Queen Streets until further notice.
Officials say this is an active fire scene and was not yet under control as of 7 am.
No word yet on the extent of the damage or the cause.
More details are expected later today.
