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5 Killed, 4 Injured In Detroit Apartment Fire Police Calling Arson

DETROIT (WWJ) - Five people have been killed and several others were hurt in an apartment fire on Detroit's east side, in what police are now calling arson.

Late Wedneday night police announced they had a suspect in custody in connection with the fire - but released few other details.

The fire broke out at around 1 p.m. Wednesday in a building on Beaconsfield and Whittier.

City spokesman John Roach said five people who were inside died, and four other people were taken to a local hospital for burns and smoke inhalation. Their conditions are not known at this time.

While authorities say the day's high winds helped spread the flames, the cause of the fire is unknown.  An investigation is underway.

Information including victims' names and ages was not immediately released.

Stay with WWJ and CBSDetroit.com for more on this developing story.

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