MASSENA — Three children and three adults died in a late night fire Monday on Chase Street in the village.

One of the adults died after being taken to a local hospital.

“Sadly, several residents perished in the fire,” Massena Fire Chief Thomas C. Miller said in a news release. “Details related to the victims will not be released pending identification and notification of family. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy.”

Massena Central School Superintendent Ronald P. Burke said three of the individuals were students in the district.

“Last evening, three of our students and their parents perished in a house fire. Our hearts are broken at the loss of the three Bowen children: Eli, Joshuha and Karmen.

“I had hoped that we would have remained open today to provide students and staff with the opportunity to have grief counseling. Unfortunately, there was enough doubt about the road conditions which ultimately led to the decision to close,” he said in a Facebook post from the district.

“As with all families, we grieve together. Today, our school family will begin the grieving process by opening the Madison Elementary School Library from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. for students, families and staff. All are invited to stop in for a few minutes or to stay for the full time to simply talk and process,” he said.

District officials said they would delay the opening of school on Thursday. Students are off on Wednesday for the Lunar New Year.

“Given the tragic loss of our three students, faculty and staff will need time to process and to prepare to help their students through the grieving process. On Thursday, January 30, we will have a two-hour delay for students only. Faculty and staff should report at their normal time,” they said.

The Highland Family Restaurant also posted about the loss of an employee.

“It is with sadness that we extend our deepest sympathy to our highland family and the loss of a chef and our accountants family. Please pray for the families who are facing this horrific loss and the community as it grieves,” they said in a Facebook post. “Thank you to all the first responders for their service during this unimaginable tragedy.”

Massena firefighters had been called to 6 Chase St. shortly before 10 p.m. for a report of a fully involved structure fire with entrapment. Engine 30 and Rescue 77 responded to the initial alarm at the scene.

“Upon arrival, fire crews encountered heavy smoke and fully involved fire that was spreading rapidly throughout the structure,” Miller said.

He said an initial attack was conducted while crews performed a primary search of the structure. “Multiple victims” were located, rescued and transported to area hospitals, he said.

“Fire crews from the Massena Fire Department, with support from a multitude of mutual aid agencies worked diligently and tirelessly to bring the fire under control,” Miller said.

Crews were still on the scene early Tuesday morning. The St. Lawrence County Fire Investigation Team, along with the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, are conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

Mutual aid was provided by the Massena Rescue Squad, Potsdam Rescue Squad, Louisville Volunteer Fire Department, Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department, Hogansburg-Akwesasne Fire Department, Massena Police Department, state police, St. Lawrence County Fire Investigation Team, New York Office of Fire Prevention and Control, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and St. Lawrence County coroner.