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Five children die in house fire

The burned-out shell of the two-storey house on Monday
The burned-out shell of the two-storey house on Monday. Picture: PA

A sixth is being treated in hospital for burns after being airlifted to Indianapolis.

Five children have died in a house fire in northern Indiana in the US.

A sixth is being treated in hospital for burns after being airlifted to Indianapolis.

An adult escaped with minor injuries from the blaze, in South Bend, with minor injuries, while a firefighter fell through a floor, officials said.

The firefighter was treated in hospital and released.

Fire crews in South Bend, a city of more than 100,000 people just south of the Michigan state line, fought the fire for about three hours.

The house the day after five children died there in a fire
The house the day after five children died there in a fire (Greg Swiercz/South Bend Tribune via AP)

The cause is being investigated.

The children ranged in age from 17 months to 11 years, fire chief Carl Buchanon told reporters.

The 11-year-old remains in hospital.

The fire was reported at about 6.30pm on Sunday and spread rapidly, partly because of wind, Mr Buchanon said.

The adult who escaped told firefighters how many people were inside and had tried to rescue some but was forced back by heavy smoke and flames, Mr Buchanon added.

By Press Association