The Westmoreland County coroner reports that a late-night house fire in Jeannette claimed the lives of four children and their father. When the fire started at midnight on Wednesday, there were eight people inside the Guy Street house: two parents and their six tiny children.
The deceased were identified by the coroner as 27-year-old Tyler King, Kyson John, age 7, Kinzleigh John, age 6, Keagan John, age 3, and Korbyn John, age 1. Three of them were saved: mom Miranda John, 10-year-old Kayden John, and 1-year-old Kash John. Family relatives report that the two sons are very ill in the intensive care unit and that the mother is in stable health.
This is a very depressing night in Jeannette, stated Fire Chief Bill Frye. “Please keep the family and the first responders that responded tonight in your thoughts and prayers in the coming days and weeks here in the city. According to Frye, there were reportedly eight persons inside the residence when the fire started. After being dispatched, a fire lieutenant arrived at the scene in less than a minute and discovered that the house was heavily damaged. Firefighters encountered some difficulties getting water from a nearby hydrant, according to Chief Frye.
According to a neighbor, he attempted to assist the family but the fire was simply too strong. Neighbor Jack Mull stated, “I came outside on the porch and the whole front of the house was on fire.” “I screamed at my daughter to call 911 and ran over and tried to get in downstairs but it was just too hot and too many flames.” The house next door was also affected by the fire. The occupants of that house managed to flee without suffering any harm. “It was completely enveloped in heat, it was that strong. The chimney is all that remains after it got so bad.
“The adjacent house is completely destroyed as well,” Mayor Curtis J. Antoniak of Jeannette stated. Among the hardest situations that first responders can face are the deaths of small children. These men and women will have to deal with it for the remainder of their lives. “People tend to forget that first responders work longer shifts than eight hours a day. They can’t turn it off, so they take it home with them,” Antoniak remarked. It was reported by Mull, the neighbor, that his grandchildren had fun playing with the children of the household.
Mull stated, “I’ve been here for fourteen years.” The grandchildren that I have live with me, and they interact with their children. They’re just kind folks in general.”In order to examine the source of the fire and sort through the debris, firefighters who are now on the scene are collaborating with the fire marshal of the state police.
The Red Cross will provide assistance to everyone who is in need of assistance. It is unknown to the fire chief of Jeannette whether or not the residence had smoke alarms that were operational. Jeannette’s family remembers the five people that perished in the house fire. As they grieve the loss of their loved ones, members of the family are requesting prayers and strength from others.
This past Wednesday, Miranda John’s cousin gave an interview to KDKA-TV. While remembering each casualty, Natasha Reaggle took the time to do so. A mother suffered the loss of four of her cherished children, as well as the affection of her life.
She remarked, Miranda and Tyler have shared a love that most people only dream of for the past twelve years.” Tyler was an incredible, generous, and cheerful individual who never failed to wear a smile on his face. “Kinsley was a spunky spirit and a spitting image of her mother,” Reaggle said in conclusion. “She was weak but powerful, and she cherished her role as a cheerleader.
Kyson is a child who has few words but says the most, and his look has the power to melt your heart. His passion for drawing was a testament to his artistic nature. In addition to being a daddy’s boy, Keagan was a fiery individual who had a passion for dinosaurs and a conflict with his cousin Laya. Although he had only been with the family for a month, Corbin was the piece that completely completed the family.
At this time, they are requesting prayers as they work through the aftermath of this tragedy. In his words, “We’re all just trying to rally around each other,” Reaggle added. The only thing we are doing is praying for those who have passed away as well as those who are still standing here. Simply attempting to remain united in the face of obstacles.
