House fire seriously injures 3 young children and their pregnant mother

PORT RICHMOND. Three children are in critical condition and their pregnant mother was also injured after a fire yesterday swept through the family’s home at East Madison and Edgemont streets, officials said.

The unidentified children’s grandfather also suffered injuries in the blaze, which began at about 2:15 p.m. in their two-story corner row home. Firefighters arrived and put out the fire quickly, but not before the young kids suffered extensive burns to their body and lungs. The toddler was reportedly rescued from the house by a family member and neighbor before firefighters arrived.

The three children — ages 5, 4 and 1 — were taken to St. Christopher’s Hospital. The mother and grandfather were listed in stable condition at Temple University Hospital.

Fire officials are still investigating the cause of the fire. They said the home had smoke detectors, but could not say if they were working.