A mobile home fire in Lithia, Florida, claimed the lives of three people, including two kids, and injured two other family members on Monday.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, first responders arrived at the scene on Pritchard Road to find the home engulfed in flames. Veronica Bermudez, 22, and her son, three-year-old Elijah Lopez, were able to escape, but Bermudez’s husband Angel Lopez Sr., 22, and their other two children, five-year-old Angel Lopez Jr., and 14-month-old Harmony Lopez did not survive. Bermudez sustained burns to her arms and hair while attempting to save her family.
The fire broke out at 1:02 p.m., and it took crews 12 minutes to arrive. The mother and her son escaped the fire after the child woke her up and warned her. The sheriff’s office reported that responders did their best to save the victims but could not due to the fire and heat coming from the home. One photo shows part of the roof that collapsed during the fire.
The mother and son were rushed to a nearby hospital and are in stable condition, according to the police. Authorities launched an investigation into the fire and its cause. Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed his condolences and sorrow over losing three lives, including two children, calling it a “tragedy beyond words.” He said the sheriff’s office was working to support the family as much as possible.
Mobile home fires are common in the United States and can be deadly due to some homes’ lack of fire safety measures.
The National Fire Protection Association reports that mobile homes have a higher risk of fire death and injury than other forms of housing due to their construction materials and smaller size. The association recommends installing smoke alarms in every room, developing and practicing a fire escape plan, and regularly maintaining heating and cooking appliances to prevent fires.