Three people dead, one seriously injured in a structure fire in Cathedral City

Update - 3/11/24 9:05 PM

The Riverside County Coroner's office has identified one of the three people killed in the fire.

On Monday, the coroner announced Phillip Pape, 46, of Cathedral City was among the three dead along with an unnamed Cathedral City male and female.

The coroner's office said the unnamed man and woman's ID would be released after family or next of kin are notified.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

Check Out: Latest on investigation into Cathedral City fire that killed three people

Original Report 3/9/24

Three people were killed in a structure fire Saturday morning at an abandoned building in Cathedral City, CCFD Chief Michael Contreras confirmed.

Contreras said one person is in the hospital in critical condition. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

"The police first reported that there were victims trapped inside who tried to make entry but were pushed back," says Contreras.

The Palm Springs Fire Department and Cal Fire are also on the scene to help put out the blaze that broke out around 7:18 a.m. at the old Elk's Lodge. The first fire crews arrived and went into rescue mode.

"They went in and were able to rescue two victims initially; we supported them, the second engine on the scene that was able to keep the fire at bay with their hose lines to allow those to be rescued," says Contreras. He shared that the roof collapsed shortly after getting the first two victims out of the building. "We went into what we call a defensive operation. Lifesaving procedures were implemented for both patients. One was transported over to Eisenhower Medical Center. The second one, unfortunately, was pronounced dead on the scene. Right now, we are in a defensive operation. We're overhauling and looking for hotspots. We have subsequently found two additional victims who are currently deceased and are still inside the building."

Cathedral City Mayor Mark Carnevale shared with us that the fire staff had contained the fire and that no fire crews were injured. "I live here, breathe Cathedral City," says Carnevale. "Of course, when you have the police department down here, we have our fire department down here; I always like to come in to see and offer support. But it's a terrible thing. This property has been here before Cathedral City was a city it's a good place. And now it's gone. You know, it's a little sad there."

Contreras shares that there were multiple obstacles in the structure fire but shows a good example of the teamwork between Palm Springs Cathedral City and Riverside County. "The men and women acted and performed how they were trained," says Contreras. "Both on the police and the fire side."

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.