Husband and wife die in Westmont fire

A Westmont husband and wife died in a fire at their home Sunday evening, fire officials confirmed Monday.

George Husser, 65, and his wife, Rosemary, 64, were pronounced dead Sunday at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove from injuries sustained during the fire at their home on the 400 block of Whipple Lane, fire officials said.

A police officer and a fire captain were also injured during the blaze but have since been released from the hospital, said Fire Capt. Craig Skala.

The Westmont Fire Department responded to the fire at 6:21 p.m. and found smoke billowing out from the rear of the home, Skala said.

Skala said the fire started in the master bedroom and that an investigation is ongoing, but the fire appears to accidental.

A police officer was on the first person on the scene and attempted to reach the couple in the bedroom but was unable to because of heavy smoke and heat, Skala said.

The officer was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital and kept over night for minor injuries from the rescue attempt, fire officials said.

A Westmont fire captain was also taken to Good Samaritan and released after being treated for heat exhaustion.