At least three fire departments are at Medina’s body shop in Milford this morning where a blaze broke out just after 7 a.m. trapping two people in an upstairs apartment. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

(UPDATE: Kosciusko County Coroner Michael Wilson and deputy coroner Tony Ciriello are on scene of what is now believed to be a double fatality in a fire that happened early this morning at Medina’s body shop in Milford.)

Breaking news this morning as at least three fire departments were initially called to Medina’s Body Shop in Milford where a fire was reported just after 7 a.m. Two people were said to be trapped inside an upstairs apartment.

Milford Fire Department called for full assists from Syracuse and Plain Township/Leesburg fire departments. As the fire continues to rage this morning, Nappanee and New Paris fire departments have also been called to provide manpower assistance at the fire.

SR 15 from U.S. 6 to the north and from Emeline Street to the south is now closed to traffic while firefighters battle the blaze.

As of 9:50 a.m., there is still no official confirmation from authorities if the occupants were able to escape the building or if anyone was actually inside, but the Kosciusko County Coroner’s office has arrived on scene and we are told family members are on scene.

Medina’s was the target of a police raid last May after Indiana State Police and Warsaw Police were working an ongoing drug investigation. (See related) In that case, one person, Antonio Jorge Estrada, 43, 616 N. Park Ave., Warsaw, was arrested for dealing cocaine to a person who is 18 or older or at least 3 grams on regulated property. Kosciusko County court records, however, show no criminal cases against Estrada, meaning the charges were either never filed, the case was filed in federal court, or Estrada went by other aliases.

We are continuing to follow this breaking news event.

The Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross is providing coffee and canteen services for approximately 70 firefighters who are on the scene.

Squad 70, the county’s fire investigation team, has been called to Milford to determine a cause for the fire.

Reporter Deb Patterson is on scene and will provide updates as they become available.