CLEVELAND -- Crews have located the bodies of all four people who went missing after an early morning fire on Hillview Road in Cleveland, Fire Chief Angelo Calvillo said Tuesday afternoon.
All four died in the fire. The body of the fourth victim was found in the kitchen of the home. Chief Calvillo says the efforts began as tactical demolition and transitioned to a traditional demolition.
A tactical demolition involves the piece-by-piece inspection of each item in order to locate the missing individuals.
"It's a very sad day," Calvillo told reporters. "I really touches our heart when we have a situation like this."
The names of the victims have not yet been released at this time. Two children and two adults were inside as the blaze tore through the home at the 1600 block of Hillview Road.
Authorities describe the victims as follows:
- 46-year-old father
- 44-year-old nephew
- 8-year-old granddaughter
- 3-year-old son
One person -- the mother -- was able to jump from the home's second floor. She was LifeFlighted to MetroHealth Medical Center in stable condition.
Councilman Anthony Hariston offered his condolences following the tragic incident.
"I am deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred early this morning and I share in the sorrow many are feeling. Thoughts and prayers are not nearly enough for the family members that perished in the fire this morning on Hillview Ave., nor will they heal the injuries of the mother who jumped from the burning house and is hospitalized.
Still, I ask my Ward 10 residents to keep the victims and their family in your prayers. And please reach out to the next door neighbor, whose house was badly damaged, but who, thankfully, made it out safely, after fierce winds drove flames onto his house. The Ohio Fire Marshall and Cleveland fire officials are investigating the fatal blaze."
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4
See photos from the scene:
Fire officials tell WKYC the house is "severely compromised" with a partial roof collapse and flooded basement.
Officials said in a late morning update that there was nine feet of water in the basement, which was pumped from the house. An official also said the structure is now unstable, making it difficult for crews to go inside.
A total of 34 firefighters and eight fire companies responded to the scene. Windy, snowy, frigid conditions created a challenge for the firefighters -- many who had frozen coats.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Authorities say there were smoke detectors inside the home, but they were not working.
EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this story stated that the young boy was 4 years old and the young girl was the couple's daughter. The story has been corrected following further information from the Cleveland Division of Fire.