Open Flame Caused Apartment Fire with Dead Children in Gmünd

The fire in an apartment of a multi-family house in Gmünd, which resulted in the death of two children, is according to investigations due to an open flame. One of the boys is believed to have played with a lighter near mattresses or a bedsheet, said police spokesman Raimund Schwaigerlehner on Monday upon request. Further investigations are necessary. The 25-year-old mother of the children, who was seriously injured in the fire herself, has not yet been able to be questioned.

Mother in Hospital After Apartment Fire in Gmünd

In the fire on Saturday, a one-year-old and a five-year-old lost their lives. Their mother was transported by emergency medical helicopter. She was still in the hospital on Monday. The autopsies of the two children were also still pending in the case.

The fire investigation in the Waldviertel district town started on Sunday and was conducted by the Lower Austria State Criminal Office. An expert from the Federal Criminal Office was consulted.

Several People Taken to Hospitals

The fire broke out on Saturday around noon. The two children were discovered by helpers in the burning apartment and immediately removed from the danger area. Despite immediate resuscitation measures, there was no help for the boys.

Several residents were rescued via aerial rescue equipment and with the help of fire escape hoods through the stairwell. Five people, suspected of smoke inhalation, were taken to nearby hospitals.

(APA/Red)

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