Fire in the building, thirteen people die: "Seven children are among the victims"

Terrible fire in a building in Philadelphia, in the Fairmount neighborhood, a few kilometers from the center of the largest city in Pennsylvania.

Thirteen people were killed, two wounded. Seven children were also among the victims.

The building, owned by the municipality, had three floors and divided into two apartments, inhabited by at least 26 people. Eighteen lived in the apartment on the second and third floors, and eight on the first. "An exceptional number of people," said Deputy Fire Chief Craig Murphy.

According to early reconstructions, the flames started from an area on the second floor believed to be the kitchen. They then spread to the third floor via a staircase. There were four smoke detectors in the apartments but none of them worked.

"I have been doing this job for about 35 years - Murphy said at a press conference - and this is probably the worst fire I've ever had". "This is undoubtedly one of the most tragic days for our city - echoed Mayor Jim Kenney -. The loss of so many children is staggering."

(Unioneonline / D)