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The fire occurred in Tolland County around 10:25 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 44 Quality Ave., in the town of Somers.
According to Somers Fire Marshal/Fire Chief John Roache, first-arriving firefighters had word that several people may be trapped inside.
"Our initial personnel were on scene within 5 minutes and found the entire front of the house heavily involved in fire," said Roache.
Three residents in that apartment were able to escape on their own but told firefighters that there were four more people unaccounted for.
Two rescue crews quickly attempted entry – one through the front door and the other from the rear. A third search was started shortly after, with the assistance of an aerial ladder through a second-floor window, Roache said.
Two juvenile victims were quickly located and removed from the house. One was pronounced dead on scene, and the other was transported to Johnson Memorial Hospital, where, unfortunately, they too, died from their injuries, he said.
Two other juvenile victims were found dead inside the house a short time later.
"At this time, we believe that the victims were all from the same family and were all under 12 years of age, but we are awaiting identification from the state medical examiner’s office," Roache said.
Roache said the property was an older duplex house constructed in the 1920s. There were seven residents in the apartment when the incident occurred. One adult and six children.
"The older construction contained numerous concealed spaces, which allowed the fire to spread rapidly and took considerable effort to extinguish," he added.
In total, over 60 responders from different agencies help battle the fire.
"The Somers Fire Department would like to thank all of our surrounding mutual aid fire, EMS, and law enforcement partners who also responded and supported us throughout this event," Roache said.
One firefighter did suffer a burn injury, but they have been treated and released from a local hospital.
Somers personnel are still working with the Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosives Investigation Unit to try to determine the origin and cause of the fire.
"The Town of Somers Social Services Department is working closely with the family of this tragic event," Roache said. "They asked that if anyone would like to help the family financially, please send a check to:
The Angel Fund, Town of Somers, 619 Main St., Somers, CT 06071.
The state police said the fire does not appear criminal.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death and work to identify the deceased individuals, state police said.
An adult was home with the juveniles at the time of the blaze and was able to escape.
Three other individuals were injured, officials said. Their conditions were not known.
State Police ask any nearby residents who may have photos or video of the fire that may help in the investigation to email those to Det. Patrick O’Brien at Patrick.j.obrien@ct.gov.
"Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy," state police said. "The investigators have been and will continue to be, working tirelessly to determine the cause and origin of the fire. The family has been connected with social services to assist with whatever they may need."
Original story:
Several people were killed, reportedly including children, during a multi-family house fire in Connecticut.
The fire occurred in Tolland County around 10:20 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 2 on Quality Avenue in Somers.
Connecticut State Police Units responded to the fire to assist in the investigation.
"Fatalities have been confirmed," state police said. "Identities are not available due to pending autopsies."
When firefighters arrived at the home, they found it was engulfed in flames.
Officials said multiple victims had been rushed to area hospitals. At least one person is said to have jumped from a second-story window.
This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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