Fatal fire in Chicago, 6-26-22 (more)

A tragic fire in West Humboldt Park left three young brothers dead and a fourth child in critical condition. The incident occurred early Sunday at an apartment located at 4032 W. Potomac, where the children were trapped in a basement with only one exit that was blocked by flames. Their mother, who was also injured, managed to escape by breaking a window after the back door became inaccessible due to the fire.

The mother suffered burns and smoke inhalation, and she is currently hospitalized. Firefighters arrived at 12:20 a.m., but had to break into the locked apartment. Two children were found unresponsive near the entrance, while the other two were discovered on the opposite side of the unit. All four children were rescued and taken to the hospital with symptoms of smoke inhalation.

Aiden Cruz, 5, was pronounced dead at Saints Mary and Elisabeth Medical Center. Jayden Cruz, 6, and Angel Rodriguez, 11, were hospitalized but later succumbed to their injuries. The fourth child remains in critical condition. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire, which was reportedly started by an open flame in one of the back rooms. It is not yet clear whether the fire was accidental or intentional.

Interestingly, firefighters reported hearing working smoke detectors upon arrival, but none were found in the basement. Property records indicate that the building housed three apartments, including the basement unit, which appears to have only one exit. It is unclear if the basement was legally constructed or operated.

All four children were brothers living with their mother and her partner in the apartment. This heartbreaking event has raised concerns about safety standards in multi-family housing units, especially those with limited access points and potential violations of building codes.