Lithia House Fire Kills Father, 5-Year-Old, 14-Month-Old Children

LITHIA, FL — A mobile home fire at 8601 Pritcher Road in Lithia has claimed the lives of a 22-year-old father, his 5-year-old son and his 14-month-old daughter.

“The first deputy on scene called this one of the saddest calls he has ever received in his life," said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue was called to the fire at 1:02 p.m. Monday after 22-year-old Veronica Bermudez called 911 to report that her family's mobile home was engulfed in flames and her fiancé and two of her children were still inside.

Bermudez managed to make it out of the mobile home with her 3-year-old son, Elijah Lopez, but suffered burns to her hands while attempting to rescue the other three members of her family.

Upon arriving, firefighters attempted to rescue the three family members still inside but encountered heavy flames and extreme heat. When firefighters tried to enter the mobile home, the roof collapsed.

Fire crews were forced to back off and spray the fire with water to reduce the intensity of the flames so they could attempt a rescue.

When they were finally able to enter the mobile home, firefighters located the father, Angel Lopez Sr., and carried him out, but he was pronounced dead.

Meanwhile, fellow firefighters found 5-year-old Angel Lopez Jr. and 14-month-old Harmony Lopez dead inside.

"This scene has all of our responders shaken," said Chronister. "Losing three lives, especially two children, is a tragedy beyond words. Nothing prepares you for scenes like this. My heart is heavy with sadness for the family and the community."

Bermudez and her son, Elijah, are recovering at an area hospital.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue is still investigating the cause of the fire.