7 Children Killed in House Fire in New York City
Investigators believe a malfunctioning hot plate started blaze.
— -- Investigators believe a malfunctioning hot plate started a fire that tore through a home in New York City today, killing seven children and critically injuring two people.
The fire happened shortly after midnight in the Midwood section of Brooklyn. New York Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said a woman, believed to be the children's mother, and her oldest daughter escaped the burning home through windows on the second floor.
They suffered burns and smoke inhalation and were listed in critical condition, said Nigro.
The children ranged in age from 5 to 15 years old.
"This is the largest tragedy by fire that this city has had in seven years," he said.
Firefighters found no evidence of smoke detectors on the first and second floors of the home, said Nigro.
Nigro said the children's father was not home at the time of the fire.
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