Four African American Girls Killed in House Fire in Columbus County, North Carolina
Columbus County, North Carolina — Four African American girls tragically lost their lives in a house fire that tore through their home in the early hours of the morning. At the time the fire started, six children were inside without adults, but only two managed to escape.
The fire broke out around 2:30 a.m. while the children, aged 2 to 12, were home alone. Authorities reported that two 12-year-olds were able to get out safely. The victims, identified as Kendall, Kalani, Josie, and Sophia, were just 2, 4, 6, and 7 years old.
Neighbors said the children were often seen playing happily in the yard. Melissa Long, who lived next door, recalled their laughter. “I could just hear them laughing and playing all the time next door,” she told WLBT. “So, what I’ll remember about them is hearing their laughs and play.”
When deputies arrived minutes after the first call, the house was already engulfed in flames. Authorities said the fire was too severe for anyone to safely enter. The bodies of the four girls were later taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy.
Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the fire. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the fire marshal are continuing their probe and said more information will be released when available.
The tragedy has shaken the small community, where residents said such a loss has never happened before. Long, who has lived in the neighborhood for nearly two decades, said, “I was in shock… I have two children of my own, so it really opens your eyes to realize how quickly things can be taken from you.”
