4 children killed in fast-moving rowhouse fire in southwest Philadelphia neighborhood

7/5/2014

PHILADELPHIA — A fast-moving rowhouse fire in southwest Philadelphia early today left four children dead and burned through a number of homes, officials said.

Fire department officials said the blaze destroyed eight rowhomes and engulfed a total of 10 houses. There was no immediate word on other injuries or the cause of the fire, officials said.

The fire started shortly before 3 a.m. today, and was brought under control by about 4 a.m., officials said.

Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer called the events ‘tragic.”

“This is a tragic, tragic day for the city of Philadelphia. Tragic,” Sawyer said. “We lost four children today.”