Early morning fire claims lives

A fire in the 300 block of  Rowlett St. in Edna destroyed a family home early this morning, and five children are believed to have lost their lives. The parents, Annabelle Peralez, age 31, and Johnny Hernandez, 30, were transported to hospitals in the area. Peralez was injured escaping the house and according to an EMS employee is in intensive care in a Victoria hospital. A four year old child also escaped the blaze.

A neighbor called 911 at 5:08 a.m., and EMS and the Fire Dept. responded to the scene at 5:12 and 5:14.

Sherrif Andy Louderback said the case has been turned over to the State Fire Marshall, The names of the deceased children have not been officially released. It is not known yet how the fire started.