Two children die in house fire at Britain, Columbus avenues in Benton Harbor

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. - Two children died in a house fire at Britain and Columbus avenues in Benton Harbor early Thursday morning, according to the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety.

At 3:38 a.m., emergency crews were dispatched to the area for a report of a house fire with people trapped inside.

When crews arrived, three adults and four children had gotten out of the home.

Firefighters worked on attacking the flames while searching for other trapped victims.

Two deceased children, a three-year-old and a four-year-old, were found inside.

Several people who escaped the fire were taken to the hospital for their injuries.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Autopsies for the victims will be performed in Kalamazoo. 

The home is expected to be a total loss, according to investigators.

The names of the deceased are being withheld at this time.

If you have any information, please call Michiana Crime Stopper at 1-800-342-STOP (7867) or at 269-845-6948. You can also call the tip line at 269-927-0293.