An investigation is underway into a house fire in Tell City that claimed three young lives.
Authorities were called to 1027 15th Street just before 3:30 Friday morning and when crews arrived, they found flames shooting from the first-floor door and windows.
A woman and two children were able to escape the burning home and told first responders that three more kids were trapped on the second floor.
In a news release, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security said Tell City firefighters were unable to enter the home until they extinguished the flames.
The State Fire Marshal’s office said three children died in the house.
They were identified as 11-year-old Danielle Plock Sims, 6-year-old Thomas Plock Sims, and 3-year-old Roseanna Plock Sims.
Investigators have spoken with the survivors to try to determine the cause and origin of the fire.
State Fire Marshall’s investigator Clayton Kinder said the extent of the damage will make a final determination “extremely difficult.”
He said no working smoke alarms were found at the home and witnesses reported hearing none during the fire.