The Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a house fire that left three girls dead.
The fire was reported Tuesday, Aug. 19, around 11:07 a.m., according to a news release from the sheriff’s office. Dispatchers were told there were people still in the house at the 3500 block of Washington Road in Carsonville.
The Carsonville Fire Department responded to the fire alongside Port Sanliac Fire and Rescue, the Sandusky Fire Department, Applegate Fire, Croswell Fire and the Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office.
The three girls were removed from the house and Croswell EMS and Sanilac EMS transported them to Deckerville Hospital and McKenzie Hospital in Sandusky.
In an updated news release, however, the sheriff’s office announced all three girls had died.
The Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the cause of the fire.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family to help cover the funeral expenses.
The Carsonville – Port Sanilac School District announced Wednesday, Aug. 20 counseling staff will be available during an open house Wednesday night for the district. Though classes don’t start until Monday, the school district announced its counselor, Mrs. Lopez, would be available at the school for any students or families who wish to talk. Staff at the school the girls attended will be holding a school meeting on the first day to discuss the incident.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and loss to our school community,” Superintendent Douglas Muxlow wrote in a news release. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family and friends during this unimaginable time.”
The Carsonville Fire Department is also raising funds to help cover the children’s funeral expenses. The department will be selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a cooler filled with alcoholic drinks. All the money will go toward the family of the children. The winner of the raffle will be announced Saturday.
“Yesterday, our town experienced 3 devastating losses,” the Carsonville Fire Department wrote in a Facebook post. “No one prepares themselves for a time like this.”
Contact Johnathan Hogan at jhogan@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Three girls die after house fire in Sanilac County
Reporting by Johnathan Hogan, Port Huron Times Herald / Port Huron Times Herald
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