JEANETTE, PA – Four children and one adult lost their lives in a catastrophic house fire that broke out in Pennsylvania on Wednesday, according to officials. The Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as Tyler King, aged 27; Kyson John, aged 7; Kinzleigh John, aged 6; Keagan John, aged 3; and Korbyn John, aged 1 month.
The incident, which took place in Jeanette, about 30 miles from Pittsburgh, was reported just past midnight. Fire officials confirmed that the blaze decimated the entire house, leaving only the chimney standing.
Firefighters managed to rescue an adult and two children from the burning building. Neighbor Jack Mull described how he attempted to enter the burning house but was deterred by the intense heat and flames. He subsequently helped a woman called Miranda and a baby, who were stranded on the roof, to safety using a ladder.
In a distressing turn of events, the mother made an unsuccessful attempt to re-enter the burning house to save her remaining family members. The fire not only razed the family home but also destroyed the neighboring house. Fortunately, all occupants of the adjacent house escaped unharmed.
The Jeannette City School District, responding to the tragedy, mourned the loss of its members. Superintendent Matthew Jones conveyed his condolences to the families and friends of the victims, assuring them of the school district’s support. He added that the district will provide counseling and social workers to aid grieving students during this difficult time.