A 2-year-old boy has died after firefighters rescued him from a house fire in Indianapolis.
A family of five — including three children — was home when the fire broke out “in front of them” at 1513 Finley Avenue on Sunday, Jan. 11, according to the Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD).
Fire officials said two adults were able to escape with two children, ages 4 and 13 months. However, they were unable to reach the 2-year-old child who was upstairs.
The adults, along with a neighbor, tried to go back inside in an effort to reach the child, but heavy smoke forced them back, officials said.
Firefighters located the child within two minutes of entering the home and carried him outside, according to the IFD. He was taken to Riley Hospital in critical condition.
The child was later identified as Isaiah Howell Jr., who died shortly after arriving at the hospital, according to the Indianapolis Star and NBC affiliate WTHR.
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In a news release, an IFD spokesperson said Isaiah died “despite the best efforts by firefighters and medical personnel,” adding that the department’s thoughts were with the family and others affected by the tragedy.
Investigators determined the fire was accidental, with an electrical issue listed as a possible cause, according to WTHR.
Smoke alarms were working in the home at the time of the fire, ABC affiliate WRTV reported.
The American Red Cross has been called to assist the family, according to the Star.
Debbie Conway, president of the Bean Creek Neighborhood Association, said she would work with the Red Cross and support the family as they deal with the loss of their child and the immediate needs that follow a house fire.
“They’re going through so much,” Conway said. “The loss of their child… and then having a place to stay, replacing everything that was lost.”
She added that the neighborhood tries to show up for residents in moments like this, noting that anyone can face sudden tragedy and need help from those around them.
