Preliminary cause released in Crete fire that killed 4, including 3 children
CRETE, Ill. - Investigators say a deadly house fire in Crete that killed three children and a 71-year-old man last month was likely accidental.
What we know:
In a statement released Thursday afternoon, the Crete Fire Department said the fire is believed to be electrical in nature based on preliminary findings.
What we don't know:
Officials are working with the State Fire Marshal’s Office as the investigation continues. They say they are still working to determine the exact cause.
4 killed in house fire in Crete, including 3 children
The coroner's office did not identify the three juvenile victims.
No new additional details have been released.
The backstory:
Crete firefighters were called to the home at 101 Chalet Court just before 1 a.m. on March 25 and arrived within nine minutes to find the one-story house fully engulfed in flames.
According to officials, firefighters began to extinguish the blaze from the inside while also trying to search the home. However, heavy fire and a partial roof collapse forced crews to pull back.
The fire was brought under control in about 40 minutes. Once it was safe to re-enter, crews searched the home and found four bodies inside.
Community gathers in prayer after series of deadly incidents in Southern Will County
Community members gathered in Crete and Crete Township to pray and support one another after a series of recent tragedies, including a fatal shooting, a triple homicide, and a deadly house fire.
The Crete-Monee School District confirmed that three of the victims were students — two from Monee Elementary School and one from Crete-Monee High School.
An adult victim was identified as Walter Palmer, 71, by the Will County Coroner's Office. The coroner said the three other victims were juveniles but did not identify them.
Neighbors say the 3 children lived there with their grandfather.
A source says the two youngest were near the locked window of a bedroom. The oldest was beside her grandfather, Palmer. They were found by the back patio door.
What they're saying:
Superintendent Dr. Kara Coglianese called the loss "heartbreaking" in a message to families and the community.
"This is a devastating time for our school community," Coglianese wrote. "We are all grieving together, and we will do everything we can to support our students, staff, and families in the days ahead."
Neighbors placed stuffed animals and balloons near the house. They say Walter Palmer was a loving caretaker of the girls.
A neighbor said, "He took care of those kids though, off to school, when they get out of school, he’d be waiting in the garage for them."
Chief Haemker said, "All I know is that the grandfather was the sole custody guardian of all three children."
The Source: The information in this story came from the Crete Police Department, Crete Fire Department, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Crete-Monee School District 201-U, and previous FOX Chicago reporting.