Two boys, ages 3 and 8, died and four others were critically injured Saturday morning in an apartment fire in the Humboldt Park neighborhood on the West Side, authorities said.
About 1:50 a.m., emergency responders arrived to the engulfed apartment building in the 1000 block of North Avers, Chicago Police said.
Three-year-old Yandel Albino was taken to Norwegian Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to a Chicago Fire Department spokesman and police. Youal Campos, 8, was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was also pronounced dead, police said.
The Cook County Medical Examiner has not released information about their deaths.
Four others were taken to local hospitals in critical condition, all with smoke inhalation and burns, police said.
An 18-month-old boy, Yovani Albino was taken to Stroger Hospital along with his 23-year-old mother Maritza, and 26-year-old father Jovanni, police said.
Officials also said the kids' 25-year-old uncle was taken to Loyola Medical Center in Maywood.
According to the children's aunt Michelle Perez, the Mexican family had just moved in to the upstairs unit 3 months ago.
The fire, which does not appear to be criminal in nature, may have been caused by an incendiary material, possibly a cigarette or cigar, according to preliminary information from Fire Media Affairs.
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Authorities also said the smoke detectors in their home appear to have not been working.
A GoFundMe page has been created to help the parents deal with funeral arrangments and medical expenses, while they themselves fight for their lives.
The investigation was ongoing as of Saturday evening.
