A serious tragedy has struck an Albanian family in Jacksonville, Florida, where three children lost their lives as a result of a powerful fire that engulfed their two-story apartment in the early hours of Wednesday morning, August 26.
Four other people, two children and two adults, are in critical condition in the hospital, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Chief Percy Golden confirmed.
The fire broke out around 05:15 a.m. on Windergate Drive, near Old St. Augustine Road. When emergency crews arrived on the scene, the first floor of the apartment was engulfed in flames, while the second floor was filled with thick smoke.
Two adults and two children had managed to escape the apartment. During a search of the building, firefighters found the other three children without signs of life.
A neighbor told US media that local residents assisted in the rescue efforts, pulling an infant and an adult out of a second-story window.
Relatives who arrived at the scene confirmed to local media that the family is originally from Albania.
The children's grandparents, Alia and Artan Sulollari, were also at the scene. Footage published by American media shows the painful moments of the family members near the apartment engulfed in fire.
Photos from the scene show the apartment severely damaged by the flames, while children's toys and a basketball hoop can still be seen in the yard.
The fire was brought under control at around 05:40. The flames caused extensive damage to the apartment and also affected two adjacent units.
The American Red Cross is committed to helping people who have been left homeless.
Meanwhile, authorities have launched investigations to determine the cause of the fire, which has not yet been announced.
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department has expressed condolences to the families of the three children who lost their lives and solidarity with the injured.
