‘We are heartbroken:’ 2 children, ages 7 and 8, die in NC mobile home fire
Two children died in a mobile home fire Saturday in Catawba County.
Firefighters responded to a call around 4 p.m. to a fire in the 1600 block of 7th Avenue SW in Hickory, according to a Hickory Fire Department statement on Sunday. On arrival, firefighters reported a large fire coming from the mobile home. They were told that children were still inside the home. Despite help from neighbors, firefighters were unable to save the two children, the statement said.
Officials said the victims are a young boy and girl, ages 7 and 8. Authorities told Charlotte Observer news partner WBTV no adults were home when the fire broke out.
Neighbors said the children’s mother was at work and that her boyfriend arrived at the home after the fire started.
The SBI and Hickory police and fire departments are investigating a cause for the fire but have ruled it unintentional, the fire department said.
Neighbors told WBTV they heard a loud explosion, saw flames and then rushed over to try to get the children out, but were unable to get the doors open.
“I busted out the back window and was screaming and hollering for the kids trying to figure out where they might be inside the mobile home, then I went around to the back door and I busted out the back glass and the melted plastic was melted to my hands,” resident Thomas Bailey told WBTV.
The names of the children have not been released, but a spokesperson for Hickory Schools said the children attended Southwest Primary School, WBTV reported Sunday.
“We are heartbroken,” a district spokesperson said. “It is a hard time for all. Prayers for their family and loved ones.”
Counselors will be available at the school throughout the week, principal Erin Sigmon said In a statement posted on the school’s Facebook page.
“In discussing with staff, it was clear that they were very special children, extremely bright, capable and personable,” Sigmon wrote.
“Those of us who knew them are going to miss them dearly.”
The Associated Press and Observer news partner WBTV contributed to this story.
This story was originally published February 21, 2021 at 6:28 PM.