Fire in Philadelphia, USA... At Least 13 Dead Including Children

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seolgina Cho] At least 13 people, including seven children, died in a fire that broke out on the 5th (local time) in a residential area of Philadelphia, USA.

According to The Washington Post (WP), the fire started around 6:40 a.m. at a three-story townhouse in the Fairmount area of Philadelphia and was extinguished 50 minutes after the fire department arrived. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and it was confirmed that the fire began on the second floor of the house. It was also found that four smoke detectors inside the building did not operate.

Jim Kenney, mayor of Philadelphia, said at a press conference, "We are deeply shocked to have lost so many children." WP cited a resident who worked as a firefighter in Philadelphia for over 26 years and is now retired, saying, "It is unusual to have such a high number of casualties in a fire in Philadelphia."

Social media videos released by witnesses showed black smoke rising from the building. Witnesses told local media, "We woke up to screams coming from the building." It was confirmed that a total of 26 people were living in this townhouse.

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