Tragic House Fire in Jeannette, PA Claims Lives of Five
JEANNETTE, Pa. -- A devastating late-night house fire in Jeannette has resulted in the loss of four children and one adult, as confirmed by the Westmoreland Co. coroner.
Despite the heroic efforts of firefighters, one adult and two children were unable to escape the blaze along Guy Street.
Fire Chief Bill Frye expressed his sorrow, stating, "It's a very sad night here in Jeannette. Please keep the family and the first responders in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
Upon arrival, a fire lieutenant found the house to be already engulfed in flames, making rescue efforts extremely challenging.
Chief Frye mentioned that firefighters faced difficulties with water supply from a nearby hydrant, hindering their ability to contain the fire effectively.
One neighbor recounted his unsuccessful attempt to assist the family, emphasizing the ferocity of the fire.
"I rushed out onto the porch and saw the entire front of the house engulfed in flames," recounted neighbor Jack Mull. "I yelled at my daughter to dial 911 and then attempted to enter the house from downstairs, but the heat and flames were too intense."
The fire extended to the neighboring house, but fortunately, the residents were able to evacuate without any injuries.
Both residences are expected to be declared total losses.
The Jeannette City School District has issued a letter to families, recognizing the "devastating loss" caused by the overnight fire.
"With deep sorrow and a heavy heart, I am reaching out in the wake of the tragic fire that has profoundly impacted our city," expressed Superintendent Matthew Jones. "As you may already know, we have lost multiple members of our school district community in this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives. Please be assured that our entire school community is here to support the families and friends of those affected, offering our sincerest condolences and unwavering assistance."
The district has announced plans to provide counseling and support from social workers to help students and staff cope with their grief.
"During challenging times, it is our unity, resilience, and community spirit that will guide us forward," Jones emphasized.
Mull, the neighbor, mentioned that his grandchildren used to play with the children from the affected family.
"I've been a resident of this neighborhood for 14 years," Mull shared. "My granddaughters live with me, and they often play with the other kids in the area. They're just good people."
Currently, firefighters on the scene are collaborating with the State Police Fire Marshal to sift through the debris and conduct an investigation into the cause of the incident. Coroners were also present at the site early Wednesday morning.
The Red Cross will be providing assistance to anyone in need.
Chief Frye mentioned that the investigation is expected to be a lengthy process, and more information may become available as the day progresses. As of approximately 3:30 a.m., the scene was still deemed "very unstable."
Stay tuned to KDKA-TV and KDKA.com for the latest updates on this developing situation.
