A mother of five children with her four-year-old in her arms jumped out a window after a fire broke out yesterday in an East Franklin home. Unfortunately two of her other children were trapped on the second floor and did not survive.
Armstrong County Coroner Brian K. Myers identified the children as 13-year-old Emilee Hooten, and her brother 10-year-old Darren Hooten. The children were discovered upstairs in their bedroom near the window.
The mother, whose name was not released, was transported to UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh where she underwent surgery yesterday afternoon.
The fire broke out in the residence located on Pleasant View Drive. According to Myers, the fire was discovered when another child in the house alerted other family members. Family tried to put the fire out but it was too far involved.
Myers said there are no signs of foul play. The cause of the fire is under investigation by members of the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshall.
Autopsies will be conducted and toxicology results are pending. The incident is still under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police – Kittanning and the Armstrong Co. Coroner’s Office.