Three children confirmed dead in basement fire in Humboldt Park
CHICAGO (CBS) – Three boys -- ages 5, 6, and 11 -- died following a fire in Humboldt Park over the weekend.
The Chicago Fire Department rushed into a home near Potomac Avenue and Pulaski Road just before 12:30 a.m. Sunday.
Witnesses say firefighters immediately started performing CPR on the children before rushing them to the hospital.
A 5-year-old boy was taken to Saint Mary Hospital for smoke inhalation and was pronounced dead. He was identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner's office as Aiden Cruz.
Two other boys -- Jayden Cruz, 6, and Angel Rodriguez, 11 -- also died in the fire, according to the Medical Examiner's office.
Another young boy was also hospitalized in critical condition.
Two adults were also injured in the fire. A 40-year-old woman was taken to West Suburban Hospital, and a 35-year-old man was taken to Saint Mary's -- both treated for smoke inhalation and in good condition.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
CORRECTION Two (2) adults, Four (4) pediatric victims transported to various hospitals (2)
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) June 26, 2022
Fire companies passed out smoke detectors and fire safety literature, and discussed the importance of fire safety to residents in the 4000 block of West Potomac Avenue Sunday.
Fire Companies distributing Smoke Detectors and Fire Safety Literature and discussing the importance of fire safety on the 4000 block of west Potomac (2) pic.twitter.com/FBGyaJRnpL
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) June 26, 2022
EDITOR'S NOTE (6/29/2022): This story has been corrected to update the age and name of the youngest victim. The Cook County Medical Examiner's office corrected the child's name and age on Wednesday, three days after the fire.