Child Among 4 Dead After Suspicious Austin Apartment Fire

A suspicious fire in an Austin apartment complex resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including a child, early Thursday morning. The fire broke out around 2 a. m. at a three-story building in the 5200 block of West North Avenue, prompting a response from over a hundred firefighters. Eyewitnesses reported hearing gunshots and a significant explosion before the flames spread rapidly, consuming the rear stairwell and upper floors.

Three additional individuals were hospitalized, and the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office is working to determine the cause of death and identify the victims. Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford highlighted the fire's swift escalation, stating that the interior stairwell was already burned out upon arrival. Authorities are treating the scene as a crime scene, with ATF investigators now involved in the case. The police spokesperson noted that a report is still being finalized. This tragic incident raises concerns about safety and potential criminal activity in the community.