CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) — Two children have died in a Clinton County house fire.
Rossville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Aron Fife confirms that two adults and an infant escaped the fire, which was reported around 2:30 a.m. Friday in the 2000 block of W. County Road 700 N. between Frankfort and Rossville.
The victims have been identified as a 12-year-old girl and a 5-year-old girl. Their names have not been released by the Clinton County Coroner’s Office.
According to the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy entered the home when it was filled with smoke but was unable to find the kids.
“This is one of those incidents as a parent and a first responder, you dread. We are all praying for the family and offering our support to all responders involved,” Sheriff Rich Kelly said in a statement. “I am proud of the quick actions of my deputy for selflessly and bravely entering the home to attempt to locate the girls. Our deputy was evaluated on the scene for smoke inhalation. We thank our state agencies and those of surrounding counties for coordinating a response effort and giving us support to effectively deal with this event. Our Chaplains will remain available to all family members and first responders.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Departments from Clinton, Tippecanoe, and Carroll counties responded to the fire.
