A tragic house fire in Chicago's Washington Heights neighborhood has led to the death of a 10-year-old boy and left an 18-year-old man in critical condition. The incident occurred early Monday morning, prompting a response from the Chicago Fire Department and police.

Early Morning Blaze in Washington Heights

Firefighters and police were dispatched to a residence on the 10400 block of South Green Street around 3:27 a.m. after receiving a report of a fire. Upon arrival, first responders discovered the 10-year-old inside the home. He was immediately transported to Roseland Community Hospital, where he tragically passed away from his injuries.

Initial police reports had mistakenly identified the child victim as a girl. However, family members later confirmed that the deceased was a boy. The 18-year-old man, who has not been publicly identified, was also found within the burning structure. He was rushed to OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Evergreen Park in critical condition.

Injured Teen Transferred for Specialized Care

Due to the severity of his injuries, the 18-year-old was subsequently transferred to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood for more specialized treatment. His condition remains critical.

Robert Harris, the homeowner's father and the grandfather of both the deceased boy and the injured teen, shared details about the family's circumstances. He stated that his teenage grandson has cerebral palsy and that the house was equipped with a wheelchair lift at the front to assist him.

Investigation into Fire's Origin

Mr. Harris described the scene, noting that the 10-year-old was found on the living room couch and had suffered significant smoke inhalation. He indicated that the fire appeared to be largely contained to the couch itself, with no other major areas of the house significantly affected. This detail is considered important as investigators work to determine the fire's origin and spread.

Neighbors recounted the distressing events. Tiwanna Connolly, a neighbor, stated her granddaughter woke her to the emergency next door. Connolly described the family as distraught, hearing them scream that their sons were trapped inside.

Chicago police investigators were on the scene as of 5:30 a.m., collecting evidence and conducting interviews. The Chicago Fire Department has launched its own investigation into the incident. Investigators are working to determine the point of origin, the cause of the fire, and whether any contributing factors led to the tragic outcome.