Infant boy, 4 women killed in rural southern Ohio house fire, 7 others injured

Infant, 4 women killed in Ohio house fire

PEDRO, Ohio — Authorities say a fire that swept through a 12-bedroom house in rural, southern Ohio killed five people, including an 8-month-old boy.

The state fire marshal’s office says the fire began early Monday in a central breezeway at the home in Elizabeth Township. That’s about 15 miles north of Ashland, Ky., near where the Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia meet.

The fire’s exact cause has not been determined.

As he sifted through the ashes, 20-year-old Kyle Whitmer said the building was a former foster home and was owned by his mother. He says it was home to members of his extended family and friends who had fallen on hard times.

Fire marshal’s spokesman Shane Cartmill says the others who died were four adult women. Seven injured people were taken to a hospital in Ashland.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

PEDRO, Ohio (AP) — Authorities say a fire that swept through a 12-bedroom house in rural, southern Ohio killed five people, including an 8-month-old boy.

The state fire marshal’s office says the fire began early Monday in a central breezeway at the home in Elizabeth Township. That’s about 15 miles north of Ashland, Ky., near where the Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia meet.

The fire’s exact cause has not been determined.

Fire marshal’s spokesman Shane Cartmill says the others who died were four adult women. Seven injured people were taken to a hospital in Ashland.

County Sheriff Jeff Lawless says the split-level house that went up in flames was believed to be a large private home.