A house fire that broke out Wednesday evening in Crete claimed the lives of three people, including a 5-year-old child, and left one survivor with minor injuries, according to local officials.
Emergency responders were dispatched to 1642 Oak Ave. shortly after 5:30 p.m. April 9, following a report of a porch fire. When police and sheriff’s deputies arrived, they found the two-story home fully engulfed in flames and confirmed that individuals were trapped inside.
The officers and deputies were first on the scene but unable to enter the home because of the heavy smoke and fire. They had to wait until equipped firefighters could make entry.
On April 11, following the preliminary autospy results the Crete Police Department identified the deceased as Samuel “Sam” Aughe, 73; Dolores Aughe, 74; and 5-year-old Samuel Hernandez. The child’s mother, Taylor Ann Parks, 27, managed to escape the blaze with minor injuries.
Firefighters from Crete Volunteer Fire and Rescue, assisted by Wilber Volunteer Fire Department, made entry into the structure and removed two victims. Both received immediate medical care and were transported to nearby hospitals. Despite emergency efforts, the two rescued victims also died at the hospital.
A third victim was later found deceased inside the home.
The Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation into the cause of the fire. Early findings suggest the fire may have started on a partially enclosed porch, possibly due to a propane grill. Officials noted the information remains preliminary.
Crews remained on the scene into the evening on April 9 to monitor for hot spots and assist with the investigation. In addition to Crete and Wilber fire crews, responding agencies included the Crete Police Department, Saline County Sheriff’s Office, Crete Area Medical Center paramedics, Nebraska State Fire Marshal, Black Hills Energy, Crete Public Works and Saline County Dispatch.
“Our sincerest condolences go out to the family affected by this tragic event,” Crete Fire and Rescue said in a statement, also expressing gratitude to all responding agencies for their coordinated efforts.
“The response by the deputies and officers, and certainly Crete and Wilber Fire and Rescue, were heroic, tremendous and outstanding, eventhough the outcome was not what we would have wanted,” Gary Young Jr., Crete Police Chief, said. “They came and did their jobs as best they could given the circumstances.”
No further details were available as of the time of print, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
