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Two Children Dead And Several Others Hospitalized After Fire

Last updated on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

(CUMBERLAND) - Two children were killed and several others were hospitalized, including the children’s mother, following a condominium fire on the far east side Monday morning.

FOX59 reports that Indianapolis Fire Department crews were dispatched to the 12000 block of Welland Street in Cumberland, Ind. at approximately 9:20 a.m. on a report of a fire with an entrapment.

Crews were able to contain the fire at the Raintree Commons Condominiums in less than 30 minutes.

Officials tentatively identified the deceased children as Forest and Genesis Eppert.

The children's mother, Stephanie Eppert, was transported to the hospital in critical condition, with injuries to her lungs. Eppert's 19-year-old son, Marcus Benton, and a family friend were also transported to area hospitals in stable condition.

Neighbors told Fox59 they heard a boy screaming. One neighbor, Raymond Alvarez, said he attempted to go in the upstairs window to help rescue residents inside but there was too much heat and smoke..

Cumberland Police Chief Michael Crooke said the three children living in the apartment were autistic.

Officials are still working to determine the exact cause of the fire, but investigators believe it may have accidentally been started by one of the children playing with matches.

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