Five Children Tragically Die in Bullhead City House Fire, Father Left Home to Go Shopping

Five children tragically died in a house fire in Bullhead City, Arizona on Saturday. The father of four of the children had left the home to go shopping for Christmas gifts and groceries, leaving the children unsupervised.

The children were identified as two boys, ages 2 and 5, an 11-year-old boy, a 13-year-old boy, and a 4-year-old girl. The fire was reported at 4:54 p.m. and neighbors attempted to rescue those inside before first responders arrived.

“The children’s father reported to investigators that he was gone for approximately 2.5 hours to buy groceries and Christmas gifts,” said the Bullhead City police department in a statement.

Neighbors described a frantic effort to enter the burning house, saying they “did everything we could” to get inside. Investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fire, which began in the downstairs foyer area of the two-story duplex.

The tragedy has left the community in shock and mourning. The police department has asked for the public’s help in determining the cause of the fire. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bullhead City Police Department at (928) 763-9200.