New York house fire leaves two children dead, four injured

Five-year-old twins died, and four of their brothers and sisters were injured, two in critical condition. They were trapped when flames engulfed their home in Staten Island. Writes about what happened New York Post.

The older brother was crying and the mother fainted when they arrived at the house on Van Duser Street off Vanderbilt Avenue in Fox Hills.

“We had gifts for them in the basement,” said their weeping older brother, 26-year-old Xavier Vanable. He was at work when his cousin called and told Xavier to come home.

His brother and sister, 5-year-old twins, died in the fire. The little girl was pronounced dead at the scene, and the brother was taken to Staten Island University North Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

“These kids had happy hearts and were always playing,” Vanable said. — They loved school. I always wanted them to grow up happy.”

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Vanable notified that his mother, who was also not at home at the time of the fire, passed out when she returned home.

New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Commissioner Laura Cavanagh said the mother "is in the hospital in shock but stable condition."

“This is an incredible tragedy,” he said. — On arrival there was a strong fire. It was about children locked up on the second floor.”

FDNY department head Jack Hodgens said: "The entire second floor was engulfed in flames."

According to him, all the victims, who were brothers and sisters, were found unconscious after extinguishing the fire.

The victims included two other siblings who were hospitalized in critical condition, a 12-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy, Kavanagh said. They are in stable condition with minor injuries.

Kavanagh noticed that one of the firefighters was also being treated for minor injuries.

A dozen FDNY units arrived on the scene a little over 3 minutes after receiving the call.

“This is an incredible tragedy,” said Kavanagh. Our employees are also parents. It’s even worse that it’s right before Christmas.”

Neighbor Teresa Forster said: “Any time is tragic, but right before Christmas… This holiday will be ruined for the rest of your life. You don't wish that on anyone."

Video from the scene shows plumes of smoke rising from the house as people yell "Here, here!" FDNY trucks start arriving with sirens blaring.

The fire was brought under control about an hour later.

Seventeen-year-old Taikuan Riquelmi, who lives next door, was returning from a shopping trip when firefighters arrived.

“When I returned, everything was on fire. Rescuers were trying to get to the children inside, he said. “I saw them pull some of the kids out. We tried to help. It's very sad and tragic."

Riquelmi's mother added: “They were good kids. My children played with them. Sadly".

Officials say the cause of the fire is under investigation.