SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The South Bend Fire Department is investigating a fire Sunday evening that killed five children.
Firefighters responded to a report of a house fire in the 200 block of North La Porte Avenue, near West Colfax Avenue, around 6:30 p.m. Jan. 21.
When firefighters got there, they found flames coming from both the first and second floors of the home. Multiple people were said to be trapped on the second floor.
Once firefighters had the first floor fire knocked down, they moved upstairs to try and reach those trapped.
Firefighters found six children, five of whom were pronounced dead.
The victims were between 17 months old and 11 years old. The 11-year-old was taken to a hospital in South Bend, but later airlifted to a specialized burn center in Indianapolis for further treatment. That child's condition is not known at this time.
Their names have not been shared at this time.
"We know how hard it is to lose anyone 'cause we do everything in our power to avoid it, but it hurts even more so when its someone who has just begun this time on this Earth," South Bend Fire Chief Carl Buchanon said.
Investigators said there was an adult present and the adult was able to get out after trying to rescue the children.
According to the fire department, one firefighter fell through the second floor onto the first floor. Medics transported him to a hospital for treatment. The fire department said he is now recovering at home and is expected to return to work in the near future.
The cause of the fire is now under investigation by the state fire marshal, South Bend Fire Department and South Bend Police Department.
Firefighters are asking people to please check their smoke detectors and discuss ways out of the home in case of fire.