A 4-year-old boy was killed early Monday morning in a house fire in Mundelein, officials said.
Fire crews responded just after midnight to reports of a fire at a one-story single-family home in the 200 block of Dalton Avenue, according to Deputy Fire Chief Jeremy Lockwood.
When crews arrived, they encountered heavy fire and smoke inside the structure. Two people were outside the home and told firefighters that a child was unaccounted for and had last been seen in a bedroom.
“There were neighbors and occupants that tried to make entry into the structure, but obviously couldn’t because of the level of heat and fire,” Lockwood said.
Firefighters initially searched the bedroom but did not find the child. They encountered heavy smoke and fire in the hallway and stairway leading to the basement before eventually finding an alternative way to access the basement, where the child was located.
Lake County Coroner Stephen Newton confirmed the child’s death.
Lockwood said the cause of the fire remains under investigation, but arson is not suspected.
One other resident was taken to a local hospital with injuries not related to the fire.
Lockwood said he was not certain how many people lived in the home, and that remains part of the investigation.
Mundelein officials released a statement Monday.
“The Village is deeply saddened by the tragic house fire that occurred last evening, which resulted in loss of such a young life,” the statement said. “Our hearts go out to all those affected by this devastating loss, and we extend our deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time.
“The Village would like to thank all our first responders who worked tirelessly at the scene. Their professionalism and dedication is deeply appreciated.
As a community, we stand together in support of all those impacted and ask that the public to keep them in their thoughts.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, officials said
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
