Photo by Freddie Herpin
Chief Photographer
BOBBY ARDOIN
Contributing Writer
State and local authorities are continuing to investigate an early Wednesday morning residential fire that claimed the lives of two boys on the fringe of the Park Vista subdivision.
The boys, ages 11 and 12, Opelousas firefighters told two Lafayette television stations, were apparently trapped separately in the living room and hallway areas of the brick home on Jake Drive, while four other family members managed to escape the blaze.
Another eight-year-old boy living at the Jake Drive residence was transported to a local hospital and treated for smoke inhalation, said firefighters who responded the fire at approximately 1:20 a.m.
Three other occupants who reportedly were living in the house at the time of the fire, were safely rescued, the television stations reported.
Firemen estimate that it took about six minutes to respond to the fire at the one-story house, which was already consumed by fire when they arrived.
Initial investigation at the residence indicates the fire probably began in the living room, firefighters told Station KLFY on Wednesday.
Persons wishing to donate items or assist the family can call 948-2542 or 948-2543.