3 Siblings, Including Toddler, Die In House Fire Near New Orleans

JEFFERSON PARISH, LA — Three siblings were killed Friday in a house fire while their parents were at work, according to Jefferson Parish authorities and reports.

The fire happened around 9 a.m. Friday in the 500 block of Lynnmeade Road, Sheriff Joseph Lopinto said during a news conference. When firefighters arrived, the home was engulfed in flames and all three children were still inside, he said.

Firefighters battled the blaze and were able to locate the children. A 15-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, Lopinto said. A 7-year-old and a 3-year-old were taken to a nearby hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.

Relatives told WWL-TV the children were home alone while their parents were working. The family also told the station the 15-year-old had stayed home to care for one of the younger children, who was ill.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.