Six relatives killed in massive house fire identified, Georgia coroner says
UPDATE: Six people, including a 6-year-old, killed in a Georgia house fire have been identified, according to the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office. They are:
Ernest Horton, 74
Fannie Horton, 74
Katie Bonner, 36
Jonathon Bonner, 13
Jared Bonner, 12
Colton Bonner, 6
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but authorities believe it started in the garage area, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King said in a statement.
No foul play is suspected, King added.
The original story continues below:
Six people died and at least five others are injured after a large fire tore through an Atlanta-area home overnight, Georgia officials say.
A 6-year-old was among the victims, whose ages ranged to 70 years old, Coweta County Coroner Richard Hawk told McClatchy News in a phone interview. Their identities haven’t been released.
Crews were called just before 5 a.m. Monday, June 17, about a fire with people feared trapped inside at a home in Newnan, according to Coweta County Fire Rescue.
Firefighters arrived less than 10 minutes later to find half of the home engulfed in flames, the department said. Crews worked to douse the flames, then began searching for the six people still inside.
All of the victims were located and removed by 5:16 a.m., fire officials said.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends affected by this tragic loss,” the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “We ask that everyone please keep the victims and their loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.”
Five others, some with serious injuries, were taken to a hospital for treatment, according to the fire department. Their conditions weren’t known as of Monday afternoon.
A Coweta County firefighter was also hurt, officials said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Newnan is about a 40-mile drive southwest from downtown Atlanta.
This story was originally published June 17, 2024 at 12:41 PM.