Two small children were killed in a house fire early Thursday morning in the 700 block of Bruce Street, according to local authorities.
Emergency crews were dispatched at 7:16 a.m. after reports of a structure fire. When Perryville Police Department officers arrived, family members who had escaped the home told them that two young children were still inside the upstairs bedrooms.
Officers attempted to enter the home but were forced back by heavy smoke. They then tried to reach the children from outside the residence but were also unsuccessful.
Perryville firefighters retrieved the two children upon arrival. Perry County Coroner Meghan Ellis said a 1-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene. A 2-year-old girl was transported to Mercy Perry Emergency Department, where she was later pronounced dead.
Ellis said autopsies will be performed, as required under Missouri law.
Fire crews were able to extinguish the blaze. The Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office and Perryville Police Department are investigating the cause of the fire.
Perry County Emergency Manager Patrick Naeger said the Red Cross has been activated to assist the affected families. Additional resources are being arranged to support them in the days ahead.
“We will be checking on the affected families throughout their recovery journey,” Naeger said.
Authorities ask that any further questions be directed to the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office.
