A DEADLY early-morning house fire ripped through a family home, killing a woman and four children as crews scrambled to find a missing child.
An infant was believed to be among the victims, and one adult was pulled from the first floor and rushed to the hospital, officials said.
Five children, including an infant, and their mother were killed in an early-morning house fire in Clarksville, OhioCredit: WKRC
Firefighters were called around 6:40 am Tuesday to a home in the 100 block of Main Street, near Spring Hill and West Main streetsCredit: WKRC
Eight firefighters were treated at the scene for smoke inhalationCredit: WLWT
The blaze broke out in Clarksville, Ohio, sparking a large response in Clinton County.
Firefighters were called around 6:40 am Tuesday to a home in the 100 block of Main Street, near Spring Hill and West Main streets.
Clinton County EMA Director Tom Breckel said the second floor was badly burned when crews arrived.
He said firefighters tried to reach the upper level but the stairwell collapsed.
Crews also struggled to access the windows, making it impossible to get upstairs right away, Breckel said.
During the rescue effort, firefighters were able to get a visual through a second-floor window and spotted victims inside, NBC affiliate WLWT reported.
Breckel said those initially found dead appeared to be an adult woman and four children, including possibly one infant.
A fifth child was unaccounted for as crews continued searching.
Officials later confirmed the missing child was also found dead.
An adult man was located on the first floor of the home and taken to Clinton Regional Hospital, Breckel said.
Eight firefighters were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.
The state fire marshal was called in as the investigation began.
The cause of the fire has not been released and remains under investigation.
A neighbor’s video showed massive flames pouring from the house as firefighters battled the blaze.
Authorities have not released the victims’ names.
The Clinton Massie Local School District said three of the children were elementary school students, WKRC reported.
“This is devastating news for our school community. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family’s loved ones and all who are impacted,” Clinton Massie Local School District said.
“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 said additional counselors and mental health professionals will be available as the community grieves.