Michigan ? A fire early Monday at a nursing home in far northern Michigan forced dozens of elderly people into the snow and bitter cold, including many who were unable to walk and wearing only nightclothes. Two people died and at least 70 were injured.

Firefighters broke windows to rescue residents in 14-degree weather, and beds were knocked askew in the rush to evacuate.

The fire left walls blackened at the 122-bed Mather Nursing Center about 360 miles north of Detroit.

Light snow was falling when the blaze was reported just after midnight with 108 elderly and seriously ill residents inside. Most were confined to beds or wheelchairs.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Two of those taken to Bell Memorial Hospital died of smoke inhalation or complications from their already fragile health, hospital spokesman Rich Rossway said.