Vigil held for children killed in Edna house fire

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Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Vigil held for kids killed in house fire
Of the six children who were inside the flame-engulfed home, only one made it out alive. Now the community is gathering to remember them

EDNA, TX (KTRK) -- Five children have been killed in a house fire in the town of Edna, officials confirm to ABC-13.

The fire broke out around 5am Tuesday morning in the 300 block of Rowlett. Edna is located about an hour and a half southwest of Houston of Highway 59.

When firefighters arrived, they found a 60-70 foot long trailer home fully engulfed in flames. A 32-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man were both outside of the home. The woman was rushed to Victoria's Citizens hospital with a severe cut. The man was not injured.

The Fire Marshall says there are five dead children inside the trailer. Family identifies the victims as 15-year-old Noah Ortiz, 13-year-old Nicholas Ortiz, Julian Ortiz, 6-year-old Ariana Hernandez and 5-year-old Liliana Hernandez.

A sixth child did survive the fire. Relatives identify him as Johnny Hernandez, III. His father, Johnny Hernandez, Jr. and mother, Annabel Ortiz were also able to get out alive. Relatives say she was severely injured trying to get the children out of the home.

Firefighters say it appears the blaze started in the kitchen area, but they do not have an exact cause.

A GoFundMe site has been set up for the family. If you'd like to contribute, here is the link.

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