A house fire in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, has resulted in multiple hospitalizations, including two women and several children. The incident occurred on Thursday morning around 7 a.m. on the 700 block of Third Avenue Northeast, prompting a swift response from local authorities.
Upon arrival, first responders found two individuals aiding residents in escaping from the blaze. Firefighters later rescued a 29-year-old woman, Katie Rehbein, along with her 3-year-old son, who were trapped inside the burning structure. They were initially transported to the Sleepy Eye Medical Center and subsequently moved to a facility in the Twin Cities for advanced care.
As of Friday, Rehbein is reported to be in critical condition after suffering severe burns and smoke inhalation. Her son was in serious condition but remains hospitalized. Additionally, a 56-year-old woman and three boys, aged 11, 8, and 6, were also hospitalized but are expected to recover.
Fire investigators are treating the fire as accidental and are currently working to pinpoint the cause.
Despite the serious nature of the incident, there is hope for recovery among the victims, and the community is likely to rally around them during this challenging time. It serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety measures in homes, which can help prevent tragedies like this in the future.