Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
Eight people were killed in Little Village on Sunday morning — including at least six children — in what officials described as the deadliest fire in the city in over a decade. A teenager and a young adult were also hospitalized in critical condition, while one firefighter was admitted to the hospital but is reported to be in stable condition.
The fire broke out at a home where several siblings and cousins were staying for a sleepover. Authorities have not yet released the names or ages of the victims, but Krystle Sauseda, 31, who claims to be an aunt to many of the children, said the victims included four siblings from one family, three from another, and an unrelated teen who was close to the group.
Firefighters were called just before 4 a.m. According to Larry Merritt, a spokesperson for the Chicago Fire Department, investigators found no working smoke detectors at the scene. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Officials believe the fire started in an enclosed porch at the back of the house.
"It wasn’t hard to get out," said Langford, a local official. "The fire started in the rear, and the front door was wide open. If they had been awake or if someone had woken them up, they could have escaped."
This tragedy could have been prevented had smoke detectors been installed and functioning properly. The incident marks the worst fire in Chicago in more than ten years, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community.
More from the ChicagoTribune.com:
In the wake of the devastating fire, community groups and churches in Little Village are rallying together to raise at least $120,000 to support the families affected. While the victims remain officially unidentified, relatives have shared that the children involved ranged in age from just three months old to 16 years old. Two 14-year-old boys are still in critical condition at Stroger Hospital.
Two GoFundMe campaigns have already been launched to help those impacted by the tragedy. One, organized by the community group La Villita Chi, has raised $5,637 toward its $20,000 goal. Donations can also be dropped off at Amor De Dios Church, located just a short distance from the fire site at 2356 S. Sawyer Ave.
A second campaign, led by Enlace Chicago, has collected $2,635 of its $100,000 target. This organization, which supports educational, health, and anti-violence initiatives, is also accepting donations at two locations: 2329 S. Troy St. and 2756 S. Harding Ave.
As the community mourns, the tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the importance of safety measures like smoke detectors and the need for greater awareness in residential areas.
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