An adult and five children have been k!lled in an Ohio house fire.
A spokesperson for the Clinton County EMA (Emergency Management Agency) said that at approximately 6:40 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3, a call came into dispatch to report a fire at a residence and crews were sent out at 6:42 a.m.
One survivor, an adult male, was located and transported to Clinton Regional Hospital at 6:51 a.m.
Local news station WLBT reported that the victims were a mother and her five children.
While a public information officer with the Ohio Department of Commerce did not confirm the relationship between the deceased, a spokesperson said, “We can confirm six fatalities that have been turned over to the Clinton County Coroner’s Office. One adult female and five children.”
“This is a gut punch,” Clinton County EMA Director Thomas Breckel said.
“This is a tight, small community. There’s one stoplight, everyone knows everyone’s names, we pass them by the street, and for something like this to happen in the middle of the morning, it’s taken a lot out of the community.”
Eight firefighters were also injured while battling the deadly blaze.
“This morning, our district became aware of a tragic house fire in our community. Authorities have confirmed the de@ths of a mother, three of our students, as well as two other children,” officials for Clinton-Massie Local Schools said.
“Out of respect for the family and to ensure accuracy, we will share only verified information and will not speculate beyond what has been confirmed. We will communicate promptly if additional confirmed information becomes available. We know that tragedy affects not only families, but also classmates, staff members, and the broader community. Our schools are closely connected places, and moments like this are felt deeply by many,” the district’s statement continued.
Counselors and mental health professionals are expected to be at the school beginning Wednesday, March 4, to provide assistance to those impacted.
“In times of grief, we lean on one another. Thank you for the care and compassion you show our students and one another each day,” Clinton-Massie Local Schools said.
An investigation into the origin and cause of the fire has begun, the Ohio Department of Commerce said.
