Five children in South Bend, Indiana, started the new year with the rest of the world. But they will not see the end of its first month because of a devastating home fire that resulted in their deaths.
The South Bend Fire Department made the tragic revelation on January 22. The fire happened on the evening of January 21. Firefighters responded to the scene, and upon their arrival, they found a two-story home engulfed in flames.
According to the press release, there were “multiple victims.” And they could not escape the second floor. The firefighters were able to rescue six individuals from the home. However, five of these individuals, all children, did not survive the ordeal.
They rushed the only survivor among the six kids to Memorial Hospital. He was later airlifted to a specialized pediatric burn center in Indianapolis for further treatment.”
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In a January 22 press conference, South Bend Fire Chief Carl R. Buchanon said that the six children ranged from ages 17 months to 11 years. The surviving child who made it to the hospital was the eldest, an 11-year-old.
The cause and point of origin of the fire are still under investigation. During the press conference, Buchanon pointed out how an adult on the scene when the fire broke out made “a valiant attempt” at trying to rescue the kids.
The adult was the one who provided the firefighters with details on how many kids there were and where they were. According to Buchanon, “The adult was able to get themselves out of the structure. The heavy smoke and heavy fire was overcoming him.”
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The adult survived the ordeal, but Buchanon was not sure as to the extent of his injuries. To the best of Buchanon’s knowledge, he said the adult is related to the kids. However, he did not know in what capacity.
Also, one firefighter is getting treatment after he “fell through the second floor onto the first floor,” the release states, adding that they took the individual to a local hospital for treatment. He is now recovering at home and will be able to return to work in the near future.
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Buchanon and the rest of the officials send their prayers and condolences to the family, as well as the community, in their press release. “As we mourn the lives lost, we also extend our deepest sympathies to the families affected by this tragedy.
The South Bend Fire Department is committed to providing support to these families during this difficult time and is working closely with local & State authorities to investigate the cause of the fire,” the release states, reminding people to “test their smoke alarms.”
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