Woman, 2 kids found dead in burning home

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Police and fire officials in Springfield are investigating the deaths of a woman and two children whose bodies were found inside a burning home.

Springfield Assistant Chief David Pennington said crews arrived within minutes of a passerby's call Saturday morning and quickly extinguished the fire. The bodies of the victims were found inside the home.

Pennington originally said smoke was believed to be the cause of death, but Springfield police are working the investigation while autopsies are conducted.

City spokeswoman Cora Scott said police had been called upon to investigate because "it could not be determined the fire was the cause of death." Scott said the victims have not yet been identified