The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office is continuing an investigation into a fire at Countryside Apartments in Rome that left two dead. They have identified the woman as Christine M. Teuscher, 76. They have identified the deceased victim inside the apartment complex as Gary J. Wiedmann, 61.
The fire began Tuesday, Dec. 9. Upon arrival to the scene, the structure was fully involved. Deputies joined the New York State Police to locate any residents that needed assistance with exiting the apartment complex. While doing so they located Teuscher, who had suffered severe burn injuries. Emergency personnel transported Teuschher to Wynn Hospital but she later succumbed to her injuries.
They located a second individual deceased in an apartment on the property. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office is currently being assisted by the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office and later identified the deceased individual as Wiedmann.
Authorities attempted to locate two residents who were unaccounted for. They found one of the residents who was not present during this incident. The resident was safe and unharmed.
During the fire authorities contacted the Red Cross and the Red Cross was on scene assisting residents who had been displaced.
The sheriff’s office received assistance from the Rome City Fire Department, the Stanwix Heights Fire Department, Oriskany Fire Department, Westmoreland Fire Department, Floyd Fire Department, Clark Mills Fire Department, Clinton Fire Department, Vernon Fire Department, Verona Fire Department, New London Fire Department, and AmCare Ambulance Service at the scene.
Additional information may be released at a later time.
