MEADOWLANDS — St. Louis County sheriff’s officials said a fatal house fire in Meadowlands appeared to have started in the kitchen.

Authorities said 75-year-old John Stossel called 911 shortly before 1 a.m. Thursday to report his house was filled with smoke. Stossel said he and his wife, 72-year-old Karen Gosch, were unable to get out of the house. Firefighters responded and got the couple out before the house was destroyed by fire.

Both were taken to Essentia St. Marys where Gosch was later pronounced dead. Hospital staff said Stossel is in critical condition.