Five children died in a South Bend, Indiana, house fire Sunday and a sixth was flown to a pediatric burn center, after what the city\u2019s fire chief called a devastating blaze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Six children in all between the ages of 17 months and 11 years, were rescued from the home, but five of them died, South Bend Fire Chief Carl R. Buchanon said. said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 11-year-old survived and was taken to a hospital and then flown to a pediatric burn center in Indianapolis for further treatment, he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Responding firefighters found \u201cintense flames engulfing both the first and second floors of the structure\u201d on La Porte Avenue in the fire that was reported around 6:30 p.m., Buchanon said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis incident last night was a horrific tragedy in our community,\u201d Mayor James Mueller said at a news conference Monday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A firefighter was also injured after falling through the floor of the second story to the first while fighting the fire, Buchanon said. He was taken to a hospital and is recovering at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The cause and point of origin of the fire is under investigation. The state fire marshal\u2019s office is assisting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An adult was present and made \u201ca valiant attempt\u201d at trying to rescue the children, Buchanon said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe heavy smoke and heavy fire was overcoming him,\u201d Buchanon said. The man was able to tell firefighters who was still inside and where, he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Officials offered their prayers and condolences to the family, and said the tragedy was affecting the whole community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe know how hard it is to lose anyone, because we do everything in our power to avoid it \u2014 but it even hurts even more so when it\u2019s someone who has just begun their time on this earth,\u201d Buchanon said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n