A massive fire that started early Wednesday morning in Philadelphia has left at least 13 people dead, including seven children, according to local officials.
The incident occurred along the 800 block of North 23rd Street in the Fairmount neighborhood at about 6:40 a.m.
The building is reportedly owned by the Philadelphia Housing Authority and was divided into multiple units. It is believed 26 people lived in the building.
“This is without a doubt one of the most tragic days in our city’s history,” Philadelphia Democratic Mayor Jim Kenney said Wednesday morning, according to Fox 29. “Losing so many kids is just devastating.”
DEADLY FIRE: Sources tell FOX 29 News that 13 people have died and two more were injured following a fire in Philadelphia's Fairmount neighborhood Wednesday morning. https://t.co/txdl8zbqsz
— FOX 29 (@FOX29philly) January 5, 2022
The fire took approximately 50 minutes to put out, according to the Philadelphia Fire Department.
Preliminary information indicates companies arrived at 6:40 a.m. and found heavy fire coming from the second floor of a three-story rowhouse. It took 50 minutes to place the fire under control. More to come.
— Philadelphia Fire (@PhillyFireDept) January 5, 2022
The Philadelphia Fire Department shared an emotional update from near the scene of the incident on Wednesday morning.
— Philadelphia Fire (@PhillyFireDept) January 5, 2022
“This is without a doubt one of the most tragic days in our city’s history,” Kenney said during the update.
“I’ve been around for 35 years now, and this was probably one of the worst fires I’ve ever been to,” one firefighter said in response to the tragedy.
Visibly distraught fire official on Philadelphia row house fire that claimed at least 13 lives, including children: "I've been around 35 years now—and this is probably one of the worst fires I've ever been to." https://t.co/SpyJ1yVPan pic.twitter.com/jZD7Pd2cst
— ABC News (@ABC) January 5, 2022
Deputy Fire Commissioner Craig Murphy said, “This punches you in the gut.”
Deputy Fire Commissioner "at a loss of words" following devastating row house fire that killed 13 people in Philadelphia.
"This punches you in the gut." https://t.co/SpyJ1yVPan pic.twitter.com/E5rSdJhJlj
— ABC News (@ABC) January 5, 2022
Other area lawmakers also extended their condolences and concerns in response to the tragedy.
“My prayers and thoughts are with all who have lost someone in this terrible tragedy. And because initial reports indicate some or all smoke detectors may not have been working, I am asking everyone: Please check your smoke detectors TODAY,” Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. Dwight Evans tweeted.
My prayers and thoughts are with all who have lost someone in this terrible tragedy. And because initial reports indicate some or all smoke detectors may not have been working, I am asking everyone: Please check your smoke detectors TODAY.https://t.co/QcSBLnUJ8P
— Congressman Dwight Evans (@RepDwightEvans) January 5, 2022
His words addressed some reports that have claimed the housing unit’s smoke detectors did not go off in response to the fire.
“Absolutely devastating news — 13 lives lost, including 7 precious children,” Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. Madeleine Dean posted.
“While officials work to understand this tragedy, my prayers are with their families,” she added.
Absolutely devastating news — 13 lives lost, including 7 precious children.
While officials work to understand this tragedy, my prayers are with their families.https://t.co/sTWszmmcPJ
— Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (@RepDean) January 5, 2022
The cause of the fire is not yet known, and the investigation is ongoing. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
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