The fatal house fire at 1000 E. Main St. in Hegins that claimed the life of a mother and her son has been ruled accidental.

State police Trooper John Burns, who is also a fire marshal, said an investigation conducted Saturday determined the fire is “accidental in nature and originated on a couch in the first-floor living room” where Tawnya Bowman, 44, and Daniel Bowman, 4, lived. The extensive fire gutted the home, causing more than $75,000 in damage, he said.

Deputy Coroner Albert Barnes pronounced the victims dead on scene.

Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David J. Moylan III said a virtual autopsy is scheduled this week.

Ann and Mark Bowman and Mark Jr., who live in the home that was converted into apartments, were not injured but are homeless.

A supervisor with the Schuylkill County Communications Center said a call came in at 10 a.m. for a structure fire at 1000 E. Main St. It was later upgraded to a working fire.

Containing the fire took hours, Hegins Valley Fire Rescue Chief Chad Richards said.

The American Red Cross responded to the scene to provide food, lodging and clothing.

Fire companies from Schuylkill an Dauphin County responded. Ambulances from Hegins and Tremont were on scene.