A fire caused at least $100,000 damage to a home once lived in by the William O’Neil family, three of whom were killed when a tow truck collided with their car July 4.
The fire at 16522 E. Villanova Place in Aurora was reported about 11:56 a.m. today.
When firefighters arrived, smoke and flames were visible from the roof of the tri-level home, said Capt. Mike Ackman of the Aurora Fire Department.
Ackman said the home was vacant and undergoing repairs for an impending sale.
Twenty firefighters were dispatched to fight the blaze, which was brought under control at 12:14 p.m., Ackman said.
No injuries were reported, and fire investigators are attempting to determine the cause and origin of the fire.
The residence was the home of William O’Neil, 40, his wife, Karen Joy O’Neil, 43, and their sons, Trevor, 4, and Tyler, 2.
On July 4, a red 2002 Ford F650 tow truck was traveling north on South Chambers Road when it hit a 1997 Honda CR-V going in the same direction.
The tow truck crossed the median and collided with a 2003 Nissan Murano and then hit the O’Neil’s Chrysler.
William and Karen O’Neil were killed, as well as their son Trevor. The only survivor was Tyler.
The tow-truck driver was charged with misdemeanor counts of careless driving resulting in death and careless driving resulting in serious bodily injury.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
