Fire claims the lives of 7 children in Brooklyn

The fire was likely caused by a hot plate

A screen shot of the broadcast report
A screen shot of the broadcast report

A tragic fire in Brooklyn has claimed the lives of seven Orthodox Jewish children.

The four boys and three girls — siblings ranging in age from five to 16 — were in the upstairs bedrooms of their home in Midwood when the fire stared, according to CNN.

New York Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said that it was likely caused by a hot plate meant to keep food warm over the Sabbath.

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The victims’ 45-year-old mother and her 14-year-old daughter survived the blaze by jumping from a second-floor widow. They are in critical condition.

The children’s father was away at a conference at the time of the incident.

“This is an unbelievable tragedy,” New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said at the scene. “It’s so painful, it’s so difficult. Every New Yorker is feeling this pain right now.” [CNN]Christopher Cameron