Tragic South Bend Fire Claims the Lives of Five Children, Leaves Community in Mourning
Tragic fire in South Bend, Indiana claims the lives of five children and leaves a sixth child with burns. Community mourns as investigation into the cause continues.
A tragic fire in South Bend, Indiana has resulted in the death of five children and left a sixth child in treatment for burns. The fire broke out on the second floor of a house, trapping people, including children, inside. Despite efforts from an adult to rescue those trapped, heavy smoke and flames forced them back. The children ranged in age from 17 months to 11 years, and five were pronounced dead at the scene. The sixth child was airlifted to a hospital in Indianapolis for treatment. An adult also escaped the fire with minor injuries, while a firefighter fell through the second floor but was later treated and released from the hospital.
BREAKING: Chaotic scene unfolding as I type this. Multiple officials responding to a South Bend house fire.
— Joshua Short (@JoshuaShortTV) January 22, 2024
I texted a source on scene who told me the following: "Crews are actively still battling the fire in a defensive strategy, unable to confirm exact number of fatalities." pic.twitter.com/8KR0q5RLPn
The fire, which was reported around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, spread rapidly due to wind, and took approximately three hours for fire crews to bring under control. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. This devastating incident has left the community of South Bend in mourning and has prompted an outpouring of support for the affected families. More information on the cause of the fire is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
