Norman Apartment Fire Kills 2 Children, Injures 5 Adults

News9.com

NORMAN, Oklahoma – Two children have died after an apartment fire broke out early Monday morning in Norman, according to Norman Deputy Fire Chief Jim Bailey.

Bailey said the Norman Fire Department was called to a fire at the Brooks Apartments, 2516 W. Brooks, at 6:40 a.m.

According to Norman police, 4-year-old Eriston Faamausili and 1-year-old Adrianne Heimuli were killed in the fire and five adults were injured. Two of the adults were the children's parents, Sofeni Heimuli and Mele Faamausili. 

"When we came down, her and her boyfriend were together," apartment Matt Dunaway said.

Two men who lived upstairs said they were awakened by the screams of the children's mother.

"She was just saying 'Oh my God, my kids', you know, she was talking about her kids and her baby. That's all that I heard," apartment resident Tyler Fields said.

Sofeni Heimuli was transported from the scene with critical burn injuries to his face and Mele Faamausili was transported with burns on her hands and suffering from smoke inhalation. Mele Faamausili was treated and released and Sofeni Heimuli is in fair condition.

A third victim was transported for smoke inhalation as well. Two other victims refused transport for injuries described as bumps and bruises, Chief Bailey said.

Bailey said the first units on the scene observed heavy flames emanating from a first-floor apartment that were also threatening an upstairs apartment and one across the breezeway.

Upon arrival firefighters made a rescue effort. But, once inside, they found the two children obviously dead. According to protocol they made no effort to remove the bodies, leaving them for the medical examiner to examine.

The preliminary damage estimate is $120,000 and the investigation is ongoing. The deputy chief said there was not a working smoke alarm in the unit where the fire originated.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire officials remind people that the upcoming switch back to standard time is a good time to check the batteries on your home smoke detector.