Authorities: 3 siblings killed in central Indiana home fire

KOKOMO, Ind. (AP) - Three young children, all siblings, were killed in a weekend house fire in central Indiana, according to Indiana State Police.

Their mother, who was in a first-floor bathroom, called authorities just before 11 a.m. Saturday to report that her children were trapped on the second floor in the residence near Kokomo.

State police said early evidence showed she unable to get to the children because the smoke was too thick. Firefighters later found the children unconscious and not breathing. They were sent to area hospitals and later died.

The children were identified as 6-year-old Miracle Gingerich, 5-year-old Steven Gingerich and 1-year-old Wilma Gingerich, according to authorities.

Authorities said the investigation was ongoing and an autopsy would be conducted.

'Å“At this time, the cause of the fire nor what caused the children's deaths has been determined," said a statement from Indiana State Police.