Nationwide — Four African American girls were sadly killed in a house fire in Columbus County, North Carolina, after flames tore through their home in the early hours of the morning. Six children were inside without adults when the fire started, but only two managed to escape.
The fire broke out around 2:30 a.m. while the children, ages 2 to 12, were home alone. Authorities said two 12-year-olds were able to get out safely. The victims, identified as Kendall, Kalani, Josie, and Sophia, were just 2, 4, 6, and 7 years old.
Neighbors said the children were often seen playing happily in the yard. Melissa Long, who lived next door, recalled their laughter. “I could just hear them laughing and playing all the time next door,” she told WLBT. “So, it’ll be something that I can remember about them is hearing the laughs and playing.”
When deputies arrived minutes after the first call, the house was already engulfed in flames. Authorities said the fire was too severe for anyone to enter. The bodies of the four girls were later taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy.
Investigators have not yet determined what caused the fire. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations and the fire marshal are continuing their probe and said more information will be released once available.
The tragedy has shaken the small community, where residents say such a loss has never happened before. Long, who has lived in the neighborhood for nearly two decades, said, “I was in shock… I have two children of my own, so it does open your eyes to realize how things can be taken so quickly from you.”