Four children, aged 5, 6, 8, and 12, lost their lives in a house fire on Tuesday night, marking a devastating tragedy that struck Connecticut.
The Somers Fire Department received a distress call around 10:20 pm and rushed to the scene on Quality Avenue in Somers, located approximately 25 miles from Hartford. By the time firefighters arrived, the residence was fully engulfed in flames, as per to USA Today.
Tragic Fire Claims Young Lives
NEWTOWN, CT - DECEMBER 16: Candles are lit at a memorial in front of the Sandy Hook School December 16, 2012 in Newtown, Connecticut. Twenty-six people were shot dead, including twenty children, after a gunman identified as Adam Lanza opened fire at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Lanza also reportedly had committed suicide at the scene. A 28th person, believed to be Nancy Lanza, found dead in a house in town, was also believed to have been shot by Adam Lanza. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Despite their valiant efforts, the firefighters were unable to save the young victims. Chief John Roache of the Somers Fire Department confirmed that two children were rescued through a second-floor window but could not be revived.
The names of the young victims, who were all from the same family, have been unveiled. Their cousin, Jessica Kone, created a GoFundMe page to raise funds for their funerals. In a heartfelt message, Kone expressed the unimaginable loss suffered by her cousins, named Lucas, Benjamin, Archer, and Genevieve, ages 5 to 12. She also conveyed the family's gratitude for the support they have already received from neighbors, first responders, and the surrounding communities.
Apart from the devastating loss of life, the fire also left the entire family displaced, as their home and all their possessions were destroyed. The local community has rallied together to provide support in this time of need. Some residents were transported to Johnson Hospital with varying degrees of injuries.
First Selectman Tim Keeney described the incident as a tremendous loss for the town, unlike anything seen in recent memory. The Somers Public Schools community released a statement acknowledging the tragic event and assured that counseling resources would be available to students in order to provide support during this difficult time, according to Daily Mail.
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Fire Causes Losses, Community Rallies for Support
Authorities are actively investigating the cause of the fire. The State Fire Marshal, along with the Eastern District Major Crime Squad, are leading the investigation into the deaths. Chief Roache confirmed that no firefighters were injured during the rescue operation.
In addition to the house where the fire originated, significant damage was caused to a neighboring residence, displacing the Tomalonis family. Bonnie and Ryan Tomalonis, along with their three children Hunter, Addelynn, and Owen, were unharmed but lost everything they owned. A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist them in rebuilding their lives.
The Red Cross has also stepped in to assist five individuals, including two adults and three children, who were displaced by the fire. Colleen Karoliszyn, a family member, acknowledged the daunting journey ahead for these survivors as they find themselves homeless and having to start anew from scratch, especially after the holiday season.
As investigations into this tragic fire continue, the community of Somers remains united, providing support and condolences to all those affected. The loss of four young lives has deeply impacted the hearts of the town's residents, who will come together to heal and support each other through this challenging time.
The house on Quality Avenue, which was home to four individuals in one apartment and seven in the other, was entirely destroyed by the fire. Fire investigators are continuing their examination of the property in an attempt to determine the cause of this devastating incident, Fox News reported
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