An early-Sunday fire at a mobile home in northern Knox County killed two young children inside and severely burned their father.
The fire that killed Payton Hoskins, 2, and Ethan Hoskins, 3, was first reported about 6:30 a.m. at the single-wide mobile home on Green Road near the community of Woollum, Kentucky State Police said.
A preliminary investigation suggests that the fire, which began in the living room of the home, was electrical, said Knox County Deputy Coroner Larry Hickerson.
Stacy Hoskins, 28, and his wife, Crystal, 25, were inside the master bedroom with three of their children, Hickerson said. After smelling smoke, the two grabbed their infant in a nearby crib and attempted to find the other two who were sleeping in separate beds in the bedroom.
"The smoke was taking her (Crystal) over. She thought if she could get out and get some air, she could get back in," Hickerson said. But by that time, the fire was too much, Hickerson said.
Stacy Hoskins, who was airlifted to the University of Kentucky Hospital with severe burns, was the last one out of the home. He remained in serious condition last night, a spokeswoman said.
Crystal Hoskins was treated and released from the Knox County Hospital. The infant did not require treatment.
The two young boys apparently tried to escape the fire, Hickerson said. They had both crawled toward the master bathroom, where they were found. Autopsies confirmed that the two died of smoke inhalation.
Hickerson said another of the couple's children had spent the night with friends.
The all-volunteer Richland Fire Department responded to the home.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Hampton Funeral Home in Barbourville, but Hickerson said services have not been finalized.
Distributed by the Associated Press
