HOUSTON – Houston firefighters responded to a fire on Albacore Drive at the Monterra Condominiums early Sunday morning, where three juveniles were confirmed dead, according to HFD.
Family members confirm the three children who died were all girls, ages 15, 12, and 8. The family says they were all sisters.
The initial call came in at 5:41 a.m., reporting an apartment fire with heavy flames and two individuals possibly entrapped. Officials say a passerby saw flames and smoke coming from this unit and called 911. HFD Chief Tom Munoz says four people were inside of the unit.
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”We did have one 21-year-old that was able to get out,” Munoz said. “He made some attempts to get back in and right now he was transported for minor injuries and smoke inhalation.”
Family members say the 21-year-old was the girl’s brother and had tried to get back into the building to save them. He is expected to be ok.
Multiple fire units responded, with at least ten units dispatched to the location.
“Right now, it’s all in the preliminary stage, but that’s what I do have. We’ve talked to the families,” Munoz said. “Obviously, our hearts are heavy. Our condolences go to the family.”
No firefighters were injured. The Red Cross has been notified to help families who need it.
The family says the girl’s mother was not home at the time of the fire and has been distraught over what happened. They say she had left for work and had been gone between 10-15 minutes when she learned the building had caught fire.