DILLTOWN, Pa. (BN24) — Two children were killed in a devastating house fire early Sunday morning in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, authorities confirmed. The blaze broke out shortly before 2:30 a.m. in Dilltown, a small community in Buffington Township, leaving the home reduced to rubble and the local community in mourning.
Indiana County Coroner Jerry L. Overman Jr. identified the victims as a 12-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy. Three other residents managed to escape the burning home, officials said. The coroner confirmed both children died at the scene.
Family friend Kara Baird, who has known the victims for years, told KDKA-TV that the two children were girlfriend and boyfriend. “Sad, your heart just breaks. There are two people lost. There are no words,” Baird said. “It’s terrible because I drive a school van, and I’ve driven these kids for years now, this family.”
The boy was identified as Justin Haase, whose online obituary described him as a “jokester who always made sure everyone was smiling.” Baird remembered the 12-year-old girl fondly, saying, “She was full of life. She was a nice little girl.”
Firefighters said the blaze was extremely difficult to contain, with flames reigniting repeatedly despite their efforts. “Every time they seemed to knock down one area, it would strengthen somewhere else,” one crew member told KDKA-TV. Hours after the fire was thought to be under control, smoke and flames were still visible rising from the debris.
Neighbors said the family had been struggling to heat their home as temperatures dropped. “It’s just sad, trying to heat a home, and this happens,” Baird said. “They lost everything — there are no pictures, there’s nothing.”
Baird added that the family had limited financial resources but “did everything they could for their kids.” She is now organizing a fundraiser to help cover funeral costs and provide support for the surviving family members, who are currently staying with relatives. “They’re going to need help — for the funerals, for a place to live. There’s so much they need right now,” she said.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire. The investigation is ongoing.
