At least 13 people, including children, died as a quick-moving fire tore through a crowded Philadelphia rowhome converted into two apartments owned by the city's public housing authority in the Fairmount neighborhood early Wednesday.
âThis is without a doubt one of the most tragic days in our cityâs history, the loss of so many people in such a tragic way,â Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said with tears in his eyes. The fire began around 6:40 a.m. on the second floor of the rowhome duplex along the 800 block of North 23rd Street, at Ogden Street, in the dense residential neighborhood, Philadelphia police and fire officials said. The house is owned by the Philadelphia Housing Authority, according to city records.
At least 13 people, including seven children, died and two others, including a child, were left in critical condition. The number of dead could still rise, officials said.
