Chicago fire kills residents

An early morning fire that ripped through a suburban Chicago apartment building yesterday left seven people dead, including a newborn baby, a 3-year-old and four teenagers.

The death toll rose from four to seven as investigators searched through the charred remains of the three-storey building in Cicero for victims.

Town spokesman Ray Hanania said initial reports indicated the victims may have been related.

He estimated the number of residents was anywhere from 23 to 40 people.

The fire appeared to have started in the building's attic, Hanania said, adding that the victims may have lived in the attic and on the second floor.