Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Tragic Fire in St. Paul Claims Lives of Three Children

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A devastating fire that engulfed a family home in St. Paul has tragically resulted in the deaths of three young children, according to family members who spoke at a news conference on Saturday.

The children’s father, Pa Cheng Vang, expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community since the fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday. At the time, Vang was away at work, unaware of the unfolding tragedy.

The heartbreaking loss includes 5-year-old twin girls, Sivntxhi Vang and Ntshiab Si Vang, as well as a 4-year-old boy, Manj Those Nutj Vang. Sivntxhi tragically lost her life on the day of the fire, and the family sadly announced the additional two deaths on Saturday.

In addition to the fatalities, a 1-year-old child and their 28-year-old mother remain hospitalized in critical condition, as confirmed by the family. Two other children who were also affected by the fire remain in the hospital, although their conditions have shown signs of improvement.

Speaking to reporters, Pa Cheng Vang emphasized the importance of fire safety measures within households, particularly the need for families to conduct fire drills, even during the night. He expressed his desire to prevent any other family or community from experiencing the same devastating loss that his family has endured.

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter attended the news conference to offer his support. Having known the couple and their children, Mayor Carter shared that Vang’s wife, Ker Lor, had previously interned in his office. He empathized with the family, acknowledging that they are currently enduring every parent’s worst nightmare.

While the fire has been determined to be accidental, Deputy Fire Chief Roy Mokosso stated that an investigation is still underway to determine the exact cause. Notably, the home was equipped with functioning smoke detectors.

The Associated Press

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