UPDATE (8:37 a.m.) — Madelynn B. McCain, a 12-year-old girl ready to celebrate her birthday, was unable to escape a house fire and died on Wednesday morning, Nov. 24.
At 4:22 a.m., the Creve Coeur Police Department responded to the report of a house fire at the corner of Groveland Street and South Stewart Street.
Within two minutes of the call, responding officers arrived at the scene and found the house fully engulfed in flames.
One resident was able to escape the home but told officers his girlfriend’s 12-year-old daughter was still inside. Another young girl was able to jump from the second-floor window to escape.
Officers were not able to enter the house, but the East Peoria Fire Department arrived on the scene shortly after and immediately began putting out the flames.
The body of Madelynn B. McCain was found on the upper level of the home. The other girl who escaped was treated and released at OSF for smoke inhalation.
“It’s very emotional for everyone that was involved. It’s something that we never want to happen and unfortunately with all the best efforts we were just unable to get to her today,” said Chief Brad Gill, Creve Coeur Fire Department.
A neighbor said that she was asleep at the time of the fire and was saddened to learn what happened.
“It’s a shame, there no words to express my sympathy,” said neighbor Ranae Nava. “It’s a sad thing to look at because you know that they lost everything and their child,” she added.
Nava said she hopes the community comes together to support the family.
Gill said the cause of the fire is under investigation. An autopsy for McCain is scheduled for Friday.
CREVE COEUR, Ill. (WMBD) — Flames reduced a Creve Coeur home to charred remains early Wednesday morning.
Fire crews received a call for a structure fire between Groveland St. and S. Steward St. around 4:30 A.M.
A neighbor told WMBD they woke up and saw the house fully engulfed in flames.
One individual has been transported to a local hospital.
As of 6:50 a.m. Wednesday, Tazewell County Coroner Charles Hanley tells WMBD his office has not been notified of a fatality.
This story will be updated when more information becomes available.
