A 38-year-old man has been charged with murder and arson in connection with a Johnson City fire that killed two children and seriously hurt two adults.

Authorities say Dwight Burton of Johnson City is suspected of setting the blaze that tore through the upper portion of a three-story apartment house early Monday morning.

Police say the children - ages three and four - were trapped in burning building at 145 Floral Avenue. Firefighters managed to get them out and they were taken to Wilson Medical Center, where they were pronounced dead.

Two adult women jumped from the third floor of the apartment house. They were reported in critical condition in a Syracuse hospital burn unit.

The fire was reported a few minutes before 2 a.m. It was brought under control after about two hours.

Burton was arraigned in Johnson City village court and sent to Broome County Jail without bail.

Authorities say Burton had previously had a relationship with one of the women who was hurt.

Investigators say anyone with information about the fire may contact Johnson City police detectives at 607.729.9321.

Bob Joseph/WNBF News
Bob Joseph/WNBF News
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