Millsboro, Delaware – The Delaware State Police and the State Fire Marshal’s Office are currently conducting a joint death investigation that began on Wednesday at approximately 2:32 p.m. on August 7, 2019.

The preliminary investigation has determined that a 9-1-1 called was placed to the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center for a report of a fire on Scarp Street located in Pot Nets Development Bayside, Millsboro. As first responders arrived on scene the rear part of the residence was engulfed in flames and was quickly extinguished by the responding fire departments. Upon entering into the residence and through the heavy smoke three children were found deceased all under the age of five years old.

While the residence was on fire, one other child was safely removed from the residence by a parent. The child was transported to the Beebe Medical Center for a medical evaluation and was treated and released.

The three children victims who perished in the fire were turned over to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science where an autopsy will be performed to determine the manner and cause of death.

This is an active and ongoing investigation and is in its early stages with further information being released as it becomes available.

Please contact Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio at 302-593-9002 for any inquiries related to the fire investigation.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov

Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 080719 1945

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