Three children from a Hmong American family caught in a house fire have now died.
According to The Star Tribune, the house fire occurred early Wednesday morning in St. Paul, Minnesota. The house was located on the 1200 block of Arkwright Street N. in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood.
Firefighters and emergency crews rescued six children — three boys and three girls — from the flames, as well as their mother Ker Lor. Pa Cheng Vang, Lor’s husband and the children’s father, was at work when the fire started. All seven members of the family were rushed to the hospital.
According to CBS News, 5-year-old twins Siv Ntshiab Vang and Ntshiab Si Vang as well as 4-year-old son Mauj Tshau Ntuj have died. Pa Cheng Vang told The Star Tribune that 6-year-old Cag Kab Vaj and 3-year-old Hnab Qub Vaj are no longer in critical condition, but his 1-year-old son Mauj CagTxuj Vaj remains in critical condition. His wife is in serious condition.
A GoFundMe campaign has been started to support the family, raising over $300,000 so far. Pa Cheng Vang is thanking the community for their support.
“Thank you for everyone at home, seeing my story, helping me out, praying for me, showing support,” he said at a press conference, according to CBS News. “I know that as a parent I believe, you know, that you all know the feeling when your child is sick. Your child is burnt. Thank you for praying for me, supporting me.”
AsAmNews is published by the non-profit, Asian American Media Inc.
We are supported through donations and such charitable organizations as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. All donations are tax deductible and can be made here.
Last day to get tickets for our fundraiser Up Close with Connie Chung, America’s first Asian American to anchor a nightly network newscast. The in-depth conversation with Connie will be held tonight, November 14 at 7:30 at Columbia University’s Milbank Chapel in the Teacher’s College. All proceeds benefit AsAmNews.