Major prayers and help are needed for everyone involved after a horrific fire in Baltimore devastated a large family, killing 6 of their 9 children.
From the mother, to the 8-year-old who helped rescue two younger brothers, to the neighbor who rushed to help but couldn’t overcome the size of the fire, to the father who was off at work when it happened – this is a tragic situation all around and one that will forever change their lives.
6 young children killed in devastating house fire in Baltimore – Washington Post https://t.co/zlmGBJNa8d
— Washington new (@Washingtonnew) January 13, 2017
One neighbor described it as an “inferno” and couldn’t believe anyone would be able to survive it.
“Fire was coming out of every window, and as they sprayed it, it seemed like the fire was fighting back or something. It just kept coming and coming and coming. Fire was actually coming out of the sides of the house. I’ve never seen anything like that in my life,” Johnson said to the Associated Press.
Johnson, who didn’t know the family, added that he was praying for the people inside.
“It was just so intense,” he said. “I didn’t think anyone would be able to survive it at all.”
Neighbor Robert Spencer saw the flames early Thursday morning and immediately tried to assist, but it was impossible. He described to reporters what he heard as he approached the blaze:
“I heard the kids crying. My daughter heard them. They said: ‘Help, help,’ and you know, couldn’t save them, couldn’t save them. There was just too much fire there.”
Though it is clearly not his fault, those cries will echo in his mind and likely haunt him forever. The children who perished were a boys aged 9 months and 2 years; twin 3-year-old girls; and two older girls ages 10 and 11.
Photo/ CBS Baltimore
Investigators have yet to determine what caused the fire. More from AP:
Firefighters encountered heavy flames coming from all three floors of the home when they answered the call about 12:30 a.m. Thursday, and they attacked the blaze from outside, Clark said. The third floor collapsed and the second floor partially collapsed. The fire was so hot that it melted parts of a car that had been parked in front of the house.
The children’s mother and two boys, ages 4 and 5, were in critical condition Thursday at a hospital. Clark said an 8-year-old girl who helped rescue her younger brothers was in “good shape.”
William Malone said all nine are his children with Katie Malone, who’s a staff member for Rep. Elijah Cummings’ district office.
The husband was working at the time of the fire. He was reached by phone and said he was “still in shock” after the tragedy.
Rep. Cummings issued a statement calling for prayers:
“I am asking that our entire community pray for my staff member, Katie Malone, and her young family. Katie has worked as a Special Assistant in my Catonsville office for nearly 11 years where she dutifully serves my constituents in the areas of immigration, postal services, and the military, including Service Academy nominations. I am grateful to the Baltimore City Fire Department and all those who responded quickly to the devastating fire. My staff is a family and this unimaginable tragedy is shocking and heartbreaking to us all. I again ask for your prayers.”
Governor Larry Hogan’s statement read:
“We are heartbroken to hear of the six children lost in the tragic fire this morning in northeast Baltimore. Our thoughts and prayers are with these children, the four victims who were seriously injured, and their loved ones. Our thanks go out to the first responders who acted bravely in the wake of this tragedy.”
Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh was heartbroken as well.
“I can’t imagine the pain of a mother or a father who has to suffer this kind of loss. Any loss is painful, but the loss of children pains you more deeply.”
Emotional moment in MD Sen.
Sen. N McFadden asks legislators to remember 6 children who died in a Baltimore Fire. #MDpolitics #MDGA17 pic.twitter.com/5CYDk9l1AG
— Bryan P. Sears (@bpsears) January 13, 2017
Bishop Larry Lee Thomas leads senators in prayer for Malone family whose six children died in Baltimore fire. #mdga17 pic.twitter.com/BL5SaQ4Gxo
— Pamela Wood (@pwoodreporter) January 13, 2017
The Malone’s 8-year-old daughter appears to be a hero in this horrible tragedy, after helping her mother and two brothers flee the blaze to safety. Her condition is reportedly “improving” and she may soon be released.
This whole family needs to be lifted up in prayer, as well as physically helped if they are in financial need. The community has already expressed their support, including a GoFundMe page.
Click on the image to help this family have financial peace while the mourn the loss of six precious littles.
—
Read More:
– Church’s Hilarious Sign Has a Message for Clemson Football Fans
– Clock Is Ticking as Sudanese Christian Pastor Could Be Put to Death for His Faith
– Victim’s Mother Forgives Charleston Church Shooter Dylann Roof During Sentencing Hearing