A mother and three of her children have perished in an early morning fire in Vestal, N.Y., according to fire officers.
The television station WBNG, Binghamton, said the fire was at 439 State Line Road in Vestal, off Route 26. It was reportedly broke out at about 2:15 a.m.
A 15-year-old son was able to escape the fire, Vestal Assistant Fire Chief Bill Stout told the television station. The father of the family was not home at the time of the blaze and no names have been released.
From videos from the scene, it appears the home is a total loss. The television station reported firefighters fought the blaze defensively. It’s cause is under investigation.
A statement was released by the Susquehanna Valley School District Thursday morning:
"This is a very sad day for the Susquehanna Valley School community. Four members of our Sabers family have perished in a terrible fire. Two of the victims were students in our schools and their loss - and that of their mother and younger sibling - are being felt deeply here in our school district.
Our hearts are broken for the members of this family and their many friends throughout our district and beyond.
As school resumed today, and word began to spread about the unimaginable event, grief counselors, social workers, and others on our district crisis team have been available to assist our students. We will continue to do everything in our power to assist the family and support our students and others impacted by this tragedy."
