NOVI, Mich. – A house fire killed five people Sunday morning in Novi, according to the director of Public Safety.
The fire department and investigators spent close to 12 hours at the home on Mystic Forest Drive.
The victims died of smoke and soot inhalation, according to Chief David Molloy . The manner is being ruled accidental. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
The blaze started around 9:30 a.m. and left five people dead, but there's not a lot of visible damage to the exterior.
The victims found inside were in their late 20s and early 30s. They worked together at a Kim's Garden restaurant in Novi. Authorities believe all five of the victims -- all men -- were from Mexico. Birth certificates and other documents were found in the basement. It's unclear if the victims were related.
The owner of Kim's Garden also owns the house.
Neighbors said paramedics tried to perform CPR on one of the men, but they were unable to save him. There were no survivors.
Neighbors said the victims were friendly and kept to themselves.
Fire officials are working to determine how the fire started. Investigators have not ruled out careless smoking. It appears the fire started on a mattress.
Family confirmed two of the victims as Pabro Albaro, 24, and Simeon Diaz, 17.
Stay with Local 4 and ClickonDetroit.com for updates to this developing story.