House fire in Connecticut kills four children

Four children died Tuesday night when a duplex caught on fire in Somers, Connecticut, fire officials said.

Eleven people lived in the duplex, seven on one side and four on the other. The fire started at about 10:30 p.m. and spread quickly, making access difficult.

“The whole front of the house was very involved. The first floor right up to the second floor. Limited access. Very hard to get in there,” Somers Fire Chief John Roache told WVIT-TV.

Firefighters were able to rescue several residents, and a 19-year-old was able to jump out of a second-floor window, Chief Roache told the Connecticut Post. Those with serious injuries were taken to a hospital.

The children ages 5, 6, 8 and 12, believed to be siblings, were unable to be saved, Somers First Selectman Tim Keeney told WVIT-TV, adding that this was an “Incredible loss. A tragedy the town hasn’t seen forever that I’m aware of. I’ve lived here my whole life.”

In a statement, Somers Public Schools Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Shannin Burns said, “Our counseling staff will provide support to students throughout the week as needed. Our staff, students, and families will support each other as we navigate this tragedy,” according to WFSB-TV.

The Connecticut State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the blaze.