Palm Bay fire: 2 children and mother killed, officials say

Two children and their mother have died following a fire at a condo in Palm Bay early Friday morning, authorities said. 

What we know:

The Palm Bay Fire Department responded to the Country Gardens complex on Sunny Brook Lane after receiving multiple calls about the blaze at 12:40 a.m.

As crews were on their way, dispatch alerted them that multiple people were reportedly trapped inside the fully-engulfed second-floor unit, prompting them to request help from Melbourne and Malabar fire departments, Brevard County Fire Rescue, and the Palm Bay Police Department.

Crews were able to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to other condos. Inside, firefighters pulled three people from the blaze and immediately began rendering aid.

Despite life-saving efforts, a 10-year-old child was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 5-year-old was rushed to an Orlando hospital, where they later died from their injuries.

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Credit: Malabar Fire Department

A 32-year-old woman, identified as the children’s mother, was taken to a local hospital in critical condition with severe burns. 

Officials confirmed with FOX 35 that the mother then died Friday afternoon. 

Authorities said a 15-year-old was able to escape the residence unharmed and is now safe with other family members.

Palm Bay Fire Rescue confirmed that all firefighters are safe, although one sustained minor injuries that did not require transport. 

What we don't know:

FOX 35 News is working to learn the identities of the victims and the cause of the fire. 

What they're saying:

"I feel the heat in my room and not the fan. So I woke up and everything's dark," said Roberto Santana, a neighbor. "I look through the window and see what's going on, and I see all the firefighters around here, police."

"Crews first got on scene; they said they had reports of very heavy fire," explained Asst. Chief John Ringleb, Palm Bay Fire Rescue. 

The fire proved deadly, and it has left other residents in disbelief.

"They were beautiful, beautiful little kids. It's horrible, terrible," said Gary Gadpaille, a displaced neighbor. 

Rafael Moringlanes, another neighbor, said, "I don't know what to say, man. I feel really, really sad, you know."

These residents are thankful they got out with their lives but now have to adjust to being displaced.

"The hard part is, I work from home. All the equipment is in there," Gadpaille added. "There's no way I can just get it and carry on."

What's next:

The State Fire Marshals' Office was called to the scene to investigate the cause of the blaze. 

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Palm Bay Fire Department.

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