Peoria County, IL – A tragic trailer fire in Chillicothe on Sunday afternoon claimed the life of an 8-month-old infant and left several others hospitalized, according to the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded around 2:33 p.m. on January 14 to a report of a fire at Pinewood Estates on East Rome West Road. When first responders arrived, heavy smoke and flames were already engulfing the trailer, authorities said.
According to the sheriff’s office, an adult female and two juveniles were found outside the residence, while the mother reported that her infant child was still trapped inside. Deputies attempted to enter but were pushed back by intense smoke and heat. One deputy sustained a wrist injury during the rescue attempt and was taken to a local hospital.
Fire crews from Chillicothe, Peoria Heights, Lacon, Sparland, Akron-Princeville, Dunlap, and the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office eventually contained the blaze. Once inside, responders discovered the infant deceased. The mother and two juveniles were transported to a hospital for smoke inhalation treatment, officials confirmed.
The Peoria County Coroner’s Office will release the infant’s identity pending notification of family. Investigators from the sheriff’s office and the State Fire Marshal are still determining the cause of the fire.
“Our thoughts are with the family affected by this tragedy and with the first responders who risked their safety,” the sheriff’s office said in a public statement.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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