Two children tragically lost their lives in a house fire that occurred in Pana early Sunday morning.
According to a press release from the Pana Police Department, Pana Fire Department and Pana Police officers were called to a structure fire in the 800 block of East Second Street in Pana at 5:43am. An officer arrived on scene at 5:44am and discovered thick smoke coming from the household. Family members then informed the officer that two children, a two year old and a three month old, were still inside the house. The officer attempted to enter the house, but was unable to due to the intense heat and smoke from the blaze. Pana Fire Department Command then arrived and attempted to enter the residence, but was still unable to due to the heat. Additional fire personnel arrived shortly after and were able to enter the house for a primary search for the children. While searching, fire vented into the upper-level causing the firefighters to bring the blaze under control before continuing their search. During a secondary search, the deceased children were located on the second level of the residence. The parents of the children were taken to Springfield Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Pana Fire Department received mutual aid from Tower Hill Fire Department, Oconee Fire Department, Nokomis Fire Department, and Assumption Fire Department. Red Cross is assisting with the needs of the family. The fire is under investigation by the Pana Fire Department, Pana Police Department, Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Christian County Coroner’s Office.