SHEBOYGAN FALLS, Wis. (AP) – A house fire has claimed the lives of three children in eastern Wisconsin, including an 11-year-old who tried to rescue two younger children from the fire, officials said Wednesday.
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The Sheboygan Falls Fire Department expects to release more details later this morning.
Police say an 11-year-old child alerted the others of the fire. “Firefighters were then able to enter the home while also attacking the fire”. A third child remains hospitalized in critical condition at Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee. While one child was able to escape safely, firefighters had to go into the house to reach three others. They were pulled from the fire by firefighters, but officials said Wednesday that all three died at hospitals. “I have been informed and confirmed that the 11-year-old has also passed away”. The 7-year-old was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Riffel says the parents were not home and authorities are investigating reports that they were at a bible study group.
Following this tragedy, Riffel says it will take time for the community to come to grips with this, especially for children.
The State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire. “Our hearts and prayers and thoughts are with them and their family”, said Riffel. Two others are in critical condition.
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The Sheboygan Falls Fire Department says the children are ages 11 and under.
