4 Dead, Including 3 Kids, After Fire Breaks Out at Birthday Party

Four people, including three children, have died in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, after a house fire erupted during a birthday celebration.

According to the city of Lebanon, firefighters responded to a two-story home on Sunday, Sept. 28, around 8:43 a.m., finding the building “fully engulfed, with flames visible from the windows.”

At the time, ten people, including “guests visiting for a birthday celebration,” were trapped inside. Firefighters requested backup from nearly a dozen other departments to assist in rescue and suppression efforts.

Three individuals were immediately removed from the building and taken to two local hospitals, the city’s statement said.

“After rescuing these victims, conditions within the structure deteriorated, forcing crews to withdraw and continue suppression efforts from the exterior,” the statement added. “Once conditions stabilized, firefighters re-entered the building and recovered two additional victims.”

Lebanon Fire Chief Aaron Sweitzer told Local 21 News that crews initially tried to combat the fire from inside but had to retreat as flames intensified.

“It had heavy fire on the first and second floor, and we were unable to make any entry into the structure until fire suppression was knocked down so we could advance,” he said.

One neighbor recounted attempting to help victims during the blaze. “Once the guy said there was a baby inside the house, I tried to get in and directly across from me there was a couch on fire,” he told Local 21 News. “The fire was real intense, and the smoke was really thick. So I tried to get under it, but there was no way for me to get in there.”

The victims of the fire include a 1-year-old, a 4-year-old, a 17-year-old, and a 73-year-old. One person remains in critical condition, another is stable, and four others sustained minor injuries. The city confirmed that names of the deceased will be released at a later time.

The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the incident. The city reported that the fire started from an electrical outlet in the first-floor living room and has been ruled accidental.

The local non-profit Bag of Hope announced that it will begin accepting clothing donations to support the family affected by the tragedy.

“On behalf of the City, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. Words cannot capture the depth of our sorrow for their loss. Our thoughts and prayers remain with all those impacted by this devastating event,” Lebanon Mayor Sherry Capello said in a statement.