MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Four children are dead after their apartment building caught fire Wednesday afternoon, the Memphis Fire Department confirmed.
The fire broke out around 3 p.m. Wednesday in the 400 block of East Alston Avenue at a two-story apartment building, MFD said.
MFD said the fire started between the kitchen and the bedroom of the apartment, when a rigged electrical wire caught fire.
A witness on scene said when the fire broke out, he attempted to rush into the building, but was blown back by the fire when he tried to extinguish it.
Memphis Fire Department said the four children were all found inside the back bedroom of the apartment.
MFD said two of the children were four years old, while one was six years old and another two years old. The children's grandfather sent us a photo of them:
The children's father was detained, but he was released after speaking with investigators and no charges have been filed at this point, MPD said. MFD said the cause of the fire was accidental. MPD said the investigation is ongoing.
Firefighters reported heavy smoke when they arrived on scene, and brought the fire under control.
Memphis Fire Chief Gina Sweat responded to the scene shortly after 3:30 p.m.
This is a developing story. We will update with more information as it becomes available.