An early morning house fire in Springfield today has killed four children, all under 10, and hospitalized two others.
According to a newspaper report published by the Tennessean, firefighters unsuccessfully tried to save the four children, ages 4,7,8 and 9 fighting the fire which was reported at about 3:30 a.m.
An adult male was also transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in very critical condition with burns. Another 8-year-old girl was sent to medical center as well with undisclosed injuries.
Local television station News Channel 5 reported that a woman and two other children were able to escape the fire and were not seriously hurt, but were taken to the hospital for precautions.
The newspaper reported the house was about 1,100 square feet and the fire may have started in the living room area of the home. The cause is thought to be accidental.
One of the children who died was up to 30 feet away from the living room and three others were near the bedroom in the house which had at least two bedrooms.
When firefighters arrived, one crew tried to save the kids and another fought the fire.
Springfield Fire Chief Jimmy Hamill told the television station it was the worst fire he has seen in his 40-year career.