MADISONVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- A fire at a wood-frame house killed five people early Monday, including a mother and her three children, and left one woman in critical condition.
The victims likely died from smoke inhalation, since their burns were not substantial, said coroner John Walters.
All six people were tenants in the single-story house.
Authorities believe a malfunctioning electrical outlet sparked the fire, said Ken Meredith, an investigator with the state fire marshal's office. A smoke detector was found in the home, but the batteries were disconnected, investigators said.
All six people lived as renters in the single-story house, officials said.
Killed were Tracy Caraway Whitney, and her three children: Cristian, Adrian and Majellica. Gary Matheny, 39, also died in the fire.
Matheny's wife, Elizabeth Matheny, 45, was hospitalized in critical condition Monday.
