A 5-month-old infant died after a vehicle caught fire on 93rd Avenue Southeast near Tumwater on July 21 at about 12:10 p.m. The father had briefly returned inside the home while three children remained in the running car; a 12-year-old freed a 2-year-old but the infant in a car seat could not be saved. Several people sustained burn injuries during rescue attempts and were treated. The TCSO is working with the ATF and local fire investigators to determine the cause.
5-Month-Old Dies After Car Catches Fire Near Tumwater; 12-Year-Old Rescues Sibling
A photo of a Thurston County Sheriff's Office vehicleCredit: Thurston county sheriff
A 5-month-old infant died after a vehicle caught fire on Tuesday, July 21, while the child remained inside, authorities said. Deputies and firefighters were dispatched at about 12:10 p.m. to reports of a car "fully engulfed in flames" on 93rd Avenue Southeast near Tumwater in Thurston County.
What Happened
According to a news release from the Thurston County Sheriff's Office (TCSO), the children's father had been preparing to leave home with his three children and briefly returned inside the house while the vehicle was still running. A short time later, smoke filled the car. A 12-year-old was able to remove a 2-year-old sibling and ran inside to alert their father; when they returned, the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames, the release said.
"Despite the efforts of the child's father, nearby residents, and emergency personnel, the infant died in the fire," the TCSO said.
Response and Injuries
The father, several neighbors and emergency crews attempted to extinguish the blaze and rescue the infant. Several people suffered burn injuries during those rescue attempts and were transported for medical evaluation and treatment. The family has not been publicly identified.
A stock photo of a police vehicle behind police tapeCredit: STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Stock Images
Investigation
The Thurston County Sheriff's Office is working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and local fire investigators to determine the cause of the blaze. Local officials did not immediately provide additional details when contacted.
Community Reaction
Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders posted on Facebook following the incident: "Absolutely sick to my stomach today after seeing this scene. I am deeply sorry to the family and our first responders who had to experience this." He also thanked chaplains who supported first responders and added, "RIP little one." The sheriff's office said its thoughts are with the family, loved ones and all those affected by the tragic loss.
Authorities continue to investigate.
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