20 February 2024 , 11:36
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A horrific house fire that killed a mum and her four young kids is under investigation after the family died in "suspicious" circumstances, according to police.
Bernadine Pruessner and her children, Millie, Jackson, Ellie, and Ivy, were killed in a devastating house fire in Ferguson, Missouri, on Monday at around 4.30am.
Upon entering the blaze, officers found five people and three dogs dead inside following the intense fire that was so brutal firefighters had to step away from the house multiple times.
Pruessner's dad, Cordell Beach, identified his daughter as a victim, along with 2-year-old Millie, 6-year-old Jackson, and 9-year-old twins Ellie and Ivy.
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Bernadine Pruessner and her children, Millie, Jackson, Ellie, and Ivy, were killed (KSDK)Pruessner’s neighbour and eyewitness Jerry McClure confessed he saw the fire while getting a cup of coffee that morning. He called emergency services and then dashed over to the house with another concerned neighbour.
“The smoke was so bad. I tried to kick the front door,” McClure said after realising a side of the house was engulfed in flames. “We just couldn’t wake them up.”
The "suspicious" fire is under investigation (KSDK)According to investigators, the fire is being described as "suspicious" as there was evidence of criminal activity due to it taking officers several hours before being able to enter the family home.
Detectives are now applying for search warrants for the family's van as they look to investigate what led up to the deadly fire, which killed 14 rabbits and three chickens. Officers were seen carrying the remaining animals out after two cats survived the blaze, according to Ferguson Police and the Ferguson Animal Coalition.
Police said the family's dogs were also killed (Ferguson Police Department)Ferguson Animal Coalition's Dara Ashby said that mum's animals were on a separate part of the property at the time of the fire.
"The animals were very happy and had food and water and I know the owner. She loved them dearly. And so I'm happy that I could help in some way, to help her animals," Ashby said. Some of the animals will go to Pruessner's family and the rest will be rehomed.
"It's a tragedy for our community," Ashby said. "She was a wonderful person and loved her kids, loved her family, loved her animals. She was just, a treasure to our community. So this is a huge loss."
The fire was so brutal firefighters had to step away multiple times (Ferguson Police Department)Ferguson Police said the investigation was "ongoing" and anyone with information should come forward. "Tonight our hearts are heavy," the statement read.
"Please keep this family, our first responders, and our community in your prayers as we all grapple with this horrific tragedy. Thank you to all of the responding houses and support teams for having our back."
City of Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones added: "The community is in shock and very heartbroken over this tragedy. Our hearts go out to the families of this fatal fire. Our community is praying for the families."
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