NEWNAN, Ga. — Six people, including three children, were killed in a fire that destroyed a home southwest of Atlanta early Monday, the local coroner said.
The children’s ages were 6, 12 and 13, the Coweta County Coroner’s Office told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The oldest victim was 70, authorities said. Their identities were not immediately released.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends affected by this tragic loss,” the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “We ask that everyone please keep the victims and their loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.”
Newnan is about 40 miles (64 kilometers) southwest of Atlanta.
Few other details were immediately available Monday morning.
Authorities in Georgia have reported a devastating house fire that claimed the lives of six individuals, including three children. The tragic incident occurred in a residential neighborhood, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
According to officials, the fire broke out in the early hours of the morning, quickly engulfing the home in flames. Firefighters arrived on the scene within minutes of receiving the emergency call, but the intensity of the blaze made it difficult to rescue the occupants trapped inside.
Despite their best efforts, firefighters were unable to save all six individuals who were inside the home at the time of the fire. The victims, including three children under the age of 10, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but authorities believe it may have been sparked by an electrical malfunction or a faulty appliance. The home did not have working smoke detectors, which may have contributed to the severity of the blaze.
Neighbors and community members have come together to offer support and condolences to the family and friends of the victims. A makeshift memorial has been set up outside the charred remains of the home, with flowers, candles, and stuffed animals left in remembrance of those who lost their lives.
Fire safety experts are urging residents to take precautions to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. This includes installing smoke detectors in every room of the home, testing them regularly, and creating a fire escape plan for all family members.
As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, authorities are reminding the public of the importance of fire safety and prevention measures. The loss of six lives in this tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that fires can have on families and communities.
