1. “Fatal fire incident in Indiana”
2. “Tragic blaze claims lives in Indiana”.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Tragic House Fire Claims Life of 11-Year-Old Girl, Bringing Death Toll to Six Siblings

Associated Press

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — A devastating house fire in northern Indiana has claimed the life of an 11-year-old girl, who succumbed to her burns while hospitalized. This tragic incident brings the total death toll to six children, all of them siblings, authorities confirmed on Monday.

Angel Smith, the 11-year-old girl, tragically passed away on Friday at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, according to the Marion County Coroner’s Office. This heartbreaking news came just one day after a solemn vigil was held in South Bend to honor the memory of all six victims who lost their lives in the fire, which occurred on January 21.

The South Bend Fire Department reported that the siblings were trapped on the second floor of their home when the flames engulfed the premises. The city of South Bend, located just south of the Michigan state line, is home to approximately 100,000 residents. Fortunately, the children’s father survived the blaze but is currently recovering from his injuries, revealed Suzie Krill, spokesperson for the South Bend Fire Department.

During the initial investigation, the father informed firefighters that he bravely attempted to rescue the children. However, he was forced to retreat due to the overwhelming smoke and fierce flames, as stated by South Bend Fire Chief Carl Buchanon last week.

The five other children who tragically lost their lives in the fire have been identified as three boys: Demetris Smith, 10; Deontay Smith, 5; and D’Angelo Smith, 4; as well as two girls: Davida Smith, 9; and Faith Smith, 17 months old.

Krill stated on Monday that the cause of this fatal fire is still under investigation by South Bend fire investigators and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

A heartfelt vigil was held on Sunday in front of the charred remains of the home to commemorate the lives of the six children. Mourners released white, pink, and blue balloons in their honor while reciting their names and offering prayers.

Lynn Coleman, a prominent community leader in South Bend, expressed the difficulty of comprehending such a tragic event. Coleman emphasized that dwelling on the cause of the fire will not bring back the innocent lives lost, stating in an interview with WNDU-TV, “You know, people say, ‘What happened?’ It doesn’t matter. It won’t bring those six babies back.”

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1. “Death toll in deadly Indiana blaze”
2. “Rising fatalities in Indiana fire”.