Watch CBS News

5 children dead in Texas mobile home fire

EDNA, Texas - Authorities say five children were killed when a fire engulfed their South Texas mobile home and partially collapsed the roof, which made rescue attempts impossible.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office confirmed the deaths Tuesday afternoon.

Family members identified the victims as 15-year-old Noah Ortiz, 13-year-old Julian Ortiz, 9-year-old Nicholas Ortiz, 6-year-old Arianna Hernandez, and 5-year-old Lilianna Hernandez, CBS Houston reported. The family's youngest child, a 4-year-old named Johnny, survived the blaze along with two parents.

Eight family members were in the home at the time, according to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.

Witnesses at the scene told CBS Houston the oldest boy, a varsity high school football player, may have died going back into the burning home to save try and save his young sisters.

Emergency personnel arrived shortly after 5 a.m. Tuesday at the home in Edna, about 100 miles southwest of Houston.

Sheriff A.J. Louderback says the children's parents were found outside the home with one child but told firefighters five children were still inside. The home was engulfed in flames when authorities arrived.

Edna Fire Department Capt. Nick Strauss says firefighters weren't able to make rescue attempts due to the roof collapse.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.