A fire tore through a Sioux Falls (S.D.) home killing three children and sending two adults to the hospital for treatment of injuries received in the fire that broke out Saturday morning.
According to a news report published by Keloland TV in Sioux Falls, Michael Hensely, 16, Savannah Coon, 12 and Olivia Coon, 6, were all killed by the fire. They were all found in an upstairs bedroom.
The fire was ripping through the home when firefighters arrived on the scene, according to the television report. The fire at 1100 North Main Street, was reported at about 8 a.m.
Sioux Falls Fire Chief Jim Sideras said firefighters tried to get into the home, but were driven back by the high heat, the station reported.
"It does weigh heavy on our firefighters,” Sideras told the station. “You see our firefighters and you have to realize that they are the ones that are really trying to get into these situations and save people and sometimes they can't do it. And it's tough.”
Crews, paramedics and police were on the scene for several hours and authorities said the fire chaplain and employee assistance will be available to help all those who worked on the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
