'Words could never express': Four Iowa children, aged between 3 and 12, killed in horrific house fire
MASON CITY, IOWA: An early morning house fire that reportedly happened on Wednesday, November 18, took away the lives of four children while injuring an adult and a minor. 12-year-old John Michael Mcluer, Odin Thor Mcluer, 10, six-year-old Drako Mcluer and three-year-old Phenix Mcluer were reportedly killed in the unfortunate incident. Their father John Michael Mcluer Sr, 55, and 11-year-old girl Ravan Dawn Mcluer survived and are receiving treatment at a hospital.
The current health condition of Mcluer Sr and Dawn Mcluer has not been disclosed. Besides, no information was available about whether the children's mother was at home during the accident or not. The Daily Mail reported that at around five in the morning, fire crews left for the scene after receiving a call regarding a “fully involved house fire” at 509 North Washington Avenue in Iowa. When they reached, the three-story property was all ablaze. The responders also found the four unresponsive children, who were soon shifted to a hospital. However, they could not be saved.
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Reports suggest the Mason County Fire Department, the Mason County Police Department and Iowa State Fire Marshall are working together on the case. It has also been reported that the cause of the fire was ruled as an electrical power strip. The unfortunate incident was “accidental,” the publication noted citing the investigation.
A neighbor claimed to call 911 after hearing screams of “Help!” from a man. She reportedly said that she got up in the morning because of the screams and was stunned to see the house on fire. She also added that she noticed a man going inside the ablaze property.
Meanwhile, Globe Gazette reported that all the children, including the one who survived, were students of Mason City schools like Harding Elementary School and John Adams Middle School. After the incident, the Mason City Community School District issued a statement, which said, “All of us at Mason City Community Schools are shaken by the loss of our students and extend our deepest sympathies to the family and those closest to them."
“The district counseling staff, Central Rivers AEA crisis team members, and other local agencies will be on hand today and will be embedded within each district building impacted by this tragedy for those who may need additional support. In addition, students will be encouraged to utilize crisis team member support as needed,” the statement added.
The unfortunate tragedy left the community in shock. A Facebook user wrote, “Thank you to the schools for providing support for the students during their time of grieving. These little kids shouldn't have to go through something like this and it's hard for some of them to understand the tragedy. Having to be strong as adults in school today will be very hard. My heart hurts for all that are affected. My daughter is a classmate to one of the boys and having to sit her down with another friend last night to give them the news was gut-wrenching so I can't imagine all the staff having to do that with a room full of classmates. I'm sorry. To the family of those lost - ... Words could never express. ***Hugs**.”
“My heart aches for this family,” someone else posted while another added, “Terrible tragedy hugs and prayers to everyone.”