In Memory of Loftin Children

TYLER COUNTY -Four children died in a tragic early-morning fire in Spurger Wednesday.

Tyler County Sheriff Brian Weatherford confirmed the four deaths.  He said the children who died, two boys and two girls, range in age from 4 to 8-years-old.  The mother and father as well as two younger children made it out of the home safely.  

Sheriff Weatherford said the mother and surviving children suffered minor burns and smoke inhalation. They were taken to the Tyler County hospital for treatment.  The father suffered minor burns, but refused treatment.

Sheriff Weatherford said the surviving children, ages 2-years-old and 5-month-old, both girls, were sleeping in the same room as the parents.

The call reporting the fire came in to 911 dispatch at 2:30 a.m.  The caller reported a fire on County Road 4547 in the Spurger area on the east side of the county. The caller told the dispatcher that all but four children were able to get out.

Tyler County Deputies and Spurger Volunteer Firefighters were among the first to arrive on scene. Firefighters found the bodies of the four children inside the burning structure.Assistance from neighboring agencies was requested. The Dam-B and Fred Volunteer fire departments sent manpower to help work the fire.

The Texas State Fire Marshals office  is working to determine the cause of the fire.

The Woodville Independent School District sent counselors to assist Spurger I.S.D. where the children attended school.