Chicago fire kills 3 children; 1 sibling rescued

[January 08, 2009]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Firefighters say they have found three young siblings dead in an apartment building that caught fire on Chicago's southeast side.

Fire Department spokeswoman Eve Rodriguez says the bodies of 7-month-old Jimmy Gates, 2-year-old Tyrell Gates and 3-year-old Sharell Gates were found Wednesday on the top floor of a three-story building. Officials were investigating possible causes, including the misuse of a space heater.

A 4-year-old boy found on the second floor was hospitalized in serious condition.

Rodriguez says the mother of the children was outside the building when firefighters arrived. Neighbors say they heard the children screaming but couldn't reach them because of the heavy smoke.

Authorities say no working smoke detectors were found at the residence.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.