3 children die, 4 injured in Houston, Texas child care center fire

3 children die, 4 injured in Houston, Texas child care center fire

2011-02-25 08:47:06 GMT+7 (ICT)

HOUSTON, TEXAS (BNO NEWS) -- A devastating fire broke out at a Houston, Texas home child care center, killing at least three children and wounding another four, local media reported Thursday.

Jackie's Child Care, located in the western area of Houston, was housing seven children at the time of the fire. Two were found outside and five were rescued by firefighters who responded quickly. However, three children, aged from 18 months to three years old, later died at a local hospital, the Houston Chronicle reported.

The three injured children were taken to Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, while reports say that the fatal victims of the fire suffered burns and smoke inhalation.

Following the incident, a state child care licensing official was speaking with Jessica Tata, 22, who operates the day care center. As a registered family home, the facility is permitted to care for 12 children.

However, according to reports, Tata was the lone adult supervising the children when the fire broke out, and state law prohibits one individual caring for more than six children older than 18 months.

Reports also indicate that Tata went into the bathroom when the fire broke out at the facility's kitchen.

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services’ Child Care Licensing division cited the child care center for not having a fire extinguisher and a carbon monoxide detector around one year ago, but the facility reportedly equipped itself with both items the following day.

Records show no complaints have been filed against the center.

Tata was also transported to a hospital for possibly experiencing extreme anxiety.

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