Tragedy struck a St. Paul family early Wednesday when a devastating fire engulfed their home on Arkwright Street North, claiming the lives of two young children and injuring several others. The blazes erupted around 1:31 a.m., trapping an adult and six children between the ages of 1 and 6, according to FOX 9,
Firefighters found all seven victims unconscious and transported them to Regions Hospital in critical condition. A family member confirmed on Thursday that two of the children, a son and a daughter, succumbed to the injuries they sustained in the fire. The family has since seen an outpouring of support, with an online fundraiser garnering $52,000 to aid them through this difficult time.
The heroic efforts of the firefighters were emphasized, particularly one individual who made multiple trips to rescue the trapped children. "This individual went in, quickly found one child, pulled the child out, went back in, found another child, pulled that child out, and went back in for a third time, found another child, and pulled that child out," the fire chief recounted, as per FOX 9.
The presence of working smoke detectors in the home. However, the proximity of the fire to the bedrooms likely made it difficult for the family to escape. The St. Paul Fire Department and other first responders have received gratitude from the Vang family for their "selfless and brave efforts" in a statement issued via Regions Hospital, stated in MPR News.
"I’m all over the place, I can’t really explain the feelings," Vang said. He was at work during the time of the incident and extended heartfelt thanks to the first responders: "I’m very grateful for your guys' help, and without you guys, I wouldn’t see my family… they’re still breathing right now," according to FOX 9.
