CHICAGO ILLINOIS, a tragic early-morning house fire has claimed the life of a 10-year-old boy and left his older brother in critical condition, according to authorities and family members.
The fire broke out at approximately 3:27 a.m. at a residence near 105th Street and Green Street in Chicago.
The Chicago Fire Department responded quickly and brought the fire under control after rescuing two individuals from inside the home.
Firefighters located 10-year-old London Woodard inside the residence, reportedly on a couch, suffering from severe smoke inhalation. He was transported to Roseland Community Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
His 18-year-old brother, Mikah Glass, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, was also rescued from the home. He suffered significant smoke inhalation and was transported to Little Company of Mary Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Family members said both boys were in the living room when the fire started, while their parents were asleep upstairs. The parents were able to escape the home without injury.
Relatives stated that the father attempted to reach the children but was unable to do so in time, while the mother alerted neighbors for help.
London Woodard is being remembered as a bright young boy who loved basketball and had recently played in a game just hours before the tragedy.
The Chicago Fire Department continues to investigate the cause of the fire.
Preliminary findings suggest a possible electrical issue involving an outlet behind a couch, though officials have not confirmed the exact cause.
The incident has left the family and community devastated as they mourn the loss of a young life and hope for the recovery of his brother.
