02 July 2023 , 20:47
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A mum who died in a tragic house blaze alongside her two children has been pictured.
Gemma Germeney, 31, lost her life alongside son Oliver Peden, four, and Lilly Peden, eight, after the family home in Cambridge caught fire.
The mum died at the scene, while her two children later passed away in hospital.
The children's father, Scott Peden, remains in critical condition after 30 firefighters battled scorching flames at the scene on Friday at around 1am. The man, in his 30s, desperately raced into the building to try to save his family.
A young child from a neighbouring home was also admitted to hospital, but it is believed he was suffering from smoke inhalation and did not have any major injuries.
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It's thought the family's two dogs were killed in the blaze.
The victims of a house fire in Cambridge have been pictured (Facebook / East Anglia News Service)Pictures from Facebook show the family together during happier times, dressed up for Gemma's 30th birthdat.
A neighbour who witnessed the tragedy said: "I was woken up by what I thought was a car alarm, but it must have been a smoke alarm going off.
"There was smoke billowing everywhere and I could see flames, and hear the sounds of windows smashing.
"I didn’t realise how serious it was until I saw some stretchers being wheeled out. It was absolutely horrific."
Gemma Germeney, 31, died after the fire at her family home (Facebook / East Anglia News Service)
Lilly Peden, eight, and her younger brother Oliver, four, died in hospital after the fire (Facebook / East Anglia News Service)Another witness added that they had been woken by "screaming" before realising the "mayhem" that was unfolding.
In a statement, Area Commander Stuart Smith of Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service described the loss as "devastating".
"It’s just heartbreaking." he said. "A fire like this is one of the toughest incidents you can attend as a firefighter."
The cause of the fire isn't known yet.
A Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said the alarm was raised at 1.08am on Friday.
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The spokesperson added: "Crews arrived to find smoke issuing from the ground and first floor of a two storey maisonette. Crews worked hard to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring properties.
"A man in his 30s managed to escape the flat before crews arrived, however he suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition.
"Two children, a boy and a girl, were rescued by firefighters. They received treatment at the scene by firefighters and paramedics but tragically both later died in hospital. Sadly, a woman in her 30s also died at the scene.
"An investigation to establish the cause of the fire started yesterday and will continue over the weekend."
Cambridge mayor Jenny Gawthrope Wood said: "I know that the residents of King's Hedges and the whole city will share my shock and sorrow at the loss of life in Sackville Close. To lose loved ones in such tragic circumstances is so terribly hard to bear.
Gemma with her partner Scott Peden, who is fighting for his life in hospital (Facebook / East Anglia News Service)
Lilly and Oliver died from their injuries (Facebook / East Anglia News Service)"I know that our council officers will provide support wherever they can. I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims of this shocking event."
A Cambridge City Council spokesperson said: “People will be shocked and distressed to hear about this incident in their local community and we are working to provide support to those people who have been directly affected, including the occupants of neighbouring properties.
"Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones and all of the people who have been affected."
An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson added: "The ambulance service would like to extend its deepest sympathies to all those affected by this tragic incident."