4 children among 5 dead after house fire in the Pennsylvania Poconos

FRANKLIN TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- Five people are dead, including four children, after a fire in the Pennsylvania Poconos.

Crews responded to a twin home on Willow Street in Franklin Township, Carbon County, just before midnight on Tuesday.

When they arrived, officials said the home was fully engulfed on the first floor and rear of the second floor.

Flames could be seen shooting from the roof of the home and heavy smoke billowed from the windows.

Five people, including four children, were found dead inside the home, according to investigators.

A kindergartner, first grader and 9th grader are believed to be among the victims, according to the Lehighton Area School District.

The fire remains under investigation.

There is no word yet on a cause or the identity of the victims.

The district released the following statement:

Tragic Event October 1, 2025

Dear Lehighton Area School District Community,

Late last night and early this morning, our community suffered a tragic loss in a house fire. While details are not publicly available as of yet, we have reason to believe that three Lehighton students, a Kindergartner, First Grader, and a Ninth Grader perished in this tragic event. There are no words available to express how deeply sad this is for everybody. Please keep the families, friends, classmates, and anyone who has a close relationship with the deceased in your thoughts and prayers.

As a school district, we are coordinating to ensure that all of our students have the support system necessary to help them through this community loss. We will have dedicated spaces in each of our buildings available for any children who need to speak with qualified professionals to provide emotional support. We are also coordinating with local entities to provide additional qualified professionals to be in our buildings. Should your child need to meet with someone, either they or you can reach out to the building.

Tragedies such as this are incredibly difficult and felt very deeply throughout the entire community. It is at times like this that we as a community need to be caring and thoughtful about how each other may suffer from the impact of this loss. These are also the times when strong communities, such as the Lehighton Area School District, closely come together to positively support one another, and I have no doubt that we will do just that in order to help our community through this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Jason Moser

Superintendent of Schools