Siblings die in tragic house fire caused by playing with a lighter
- A house fire in South Austin resulted in the tragic deaths of a 65-year-old man and an 88-year-old woman.
- Family members reported that the fire started from a space heater while the grandmother and son tried to save their home.
- The community mourns the loss of the family members as the investigation into the fire's cause continues.
A tragic house fire occurred in South Austin, Chicago, leading to the death of a mother and son. The incident took place early Saturday morning near the intersection of Leamington and Ohio streets. Chicago firefighters responded to the scene after receiving reports of a fire. Upon arrival, they discovered a 65-year-old man, Danny Jones, succumbed to injuries at the scene. His mother, 88-year-old Minnie Jones, was transported to West Suburban Hospital but later died from her injuries. A family member indicated that the fire was sparked by a space heater in Danny’s upstairs room. Minnie rushed to save her family despite her age, showcasing her maternal instincts amid peril. This tragic incident highlights the devastating impact that house fires can have on families and communities as they mourn their significant losses. The surviving member of the family, a 62-year-old uncle, managed to escape but is now receiving treatment for smoke inhalation. The Johnson family has expressed profound grief, recalling cherished memories within their family home, where they had resided since 1971. Fire officials are investigating the cause of the fire, stressing the importance of maintaining working smoke alarms and fire safety measures. This heartbreaking event serves as a reminder about the risks associated with home heating equipment, particularly in the colder months, emphasizing the need for vigilance in preventing such tragedies in the future.