CHICAGO - Authorities in Chicago say two people in their 70s were found buried under mounds of trash in their home on the city's South Side.

Officials say the pair appear to be hoarders. Police Lt. Dale Kingsley says their home was "packed from floor to ceiling" and may have to be condemned.

Fire Department spokesman Kevin MacGregor says the man and woman were both taken to Jackson Park Hospital in critical condition. A hospital nurse says their condition had improved by Tuesday morning.

MacGregor says the couple hadn't been heard from in three weeks.

Chicago Fire Department paramedics conducting a well-being check Monday evening found the stench so overpowering they had to don hazardous materials suits to go inside the home.

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