NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Three children are dead after a house fire on the West Bank Friday (Sept. 16) morning. According to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the victims have been identified as a 15-year-old girl who was babysitting her two younger brothers – ages seven and two.
Sheriff Joe Lopinto reports that around 9:30 a.m., first responders were called to the 500 block of Lynnmeade Drive in Gretna. It was there they found the home engulfed in flames. Although details on how long it took to put the fire out were unavailable, no visible flames were seen coming from the house at 10:30 a.m.
The three children were identified as Yusra Badra (age 15), Ali Aysheh (age 7), and Mohammah Aysheh (age 2). Badra was pronounced dead on the scene. Her brothers were both taken to an area hospital where they later died.
We’re told the children’s mother fainted at the scene upon hearing the devastating news of all three of her children.
“We feel horrible, trust me, it’s so sad, especially the whole family. I can’t say anything about the mother. It’s very hard for her,” Ibtisam Esmail, a cousin, told WGNO’s Amy Russo. “The mom is in the hospital after she fainted – she can’t handle it. It’s bad.”
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“They were a very good family, very tight-knit,” added neighbor Jason Rousse. “My kids played with their kids. Just some good people.
The fire remains under investigation by the JPSO. This is a developing story with updates to come as more information becomes available.
Press Conference: JPSO investigates fatal house fire
