An early morning fire killed three people and critically injured two more in Bensonhurst Saturday.

Fire officials say the fire started around 7 a.m. on the second floor of the 18th Ave. building. They say the fire was confined to the center of the apartment, blocking the exit to the stairs. Officials say four of the victims were found unconscious in one room and a fifth jumped from the window. The jumper is listed in critical condition. Officials say another victim died en route to the hospital and the third victim died in the emergency room.

The apartment was above a store that also suffered damage in the fire. Fire marshals were investigating the blaze to determine the cause.