An investigation into a Monday morning fire that killed a little boy and seriously injured his parents is ongoing, according to the Munster Fire Department.
The department was dispatched around 11:16 am April 22 to the 900 block of Cornwallis in Munster’s Cobblestones subdivision for the fire, which was initially discovered by a local delivery driver, according to a release issued by the department. The driver was met by a resident in the townhome, who said there was a child still inside, according to the release.
The driver and parent tried to enter the home several times, the release said, but the smoke was too thick, and the flames were spreading too quickly.
The deceased is a 3-year-old boy, the Lake County Coroner’s office released Monday night, but his identity is being held until his parents can be told. The boy’s parents were first taken to a local hospital for treatment; The mother was later airlifted to the University of Chicago hospital for her injuries, while the father was put into a medically induced coma and remains hospitalized.
Three other children were in school at the time of the fire, according to the Munster Fire Department release. The State Fire Marshal is investigating, Munster Deputy Fire Chief Dave Strbjak said Tuesday.
The Highland, Dyer, Merrillville and Schererville Fire Departments, along with the South Holland, Lansing, Calumet City, Flossmoor, Homewood, Thornton, Glenwood and East Hazel Crest Fire Departments out of Illinois, assisted via mutual aid.
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
