A tragic fire claimed the lives of four people, including a one-year-old child, during a birthday party in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, on Sunday (September 28). The victims, aged 1, 4, 17, and 73, were among ten people gathered at a house on Church Street when the fire broke out. According to Mayor Sherry Capello, the fire originated from an electrical outlet in the first-floor living room and has been ruled accidental.
Firefighters arrived at the scene within two minutes of the alarm, finding both floors of the house engulfed in flames. Despite efforts to rescue those trapped inside, the intense conditions forced crews to withdraw and continue fighting the fire from outside. Once the flames were under control, firefighters re-entered the building and recovered two of the victims. Three people were transported to WellSpan/Good Samaritan Hospital, with one remaining in critical condition and another in stable condition. Four others escaped with minor injuries.
Mayor Capello praised the swift response of the Lebanon Fire Department, Lebanon City Police, and other first responders. "The City of Lebanon is fortunate to have such a courageous and dedicated community of first responders," she said. The nonprofit organization Bag of Hope is collecting donations to support the affected family.
The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting in the ongoing investigation. For more details, visit Local 21 News.