MADISONVILLE, Tenn. — Madisonville Fire-Rescue said crews responded to a deadly fire Monday night on Lincoln Drive.
On Tuesday, the TBI confirmed that a "minor child" died in the fire. They did not provide a name or age for the child. The body is being transported to the Knox Regional Forensic Center for autopsy.
Neighbors told 10News on Tuesday that the child was a 2-year-old girl. They said the family initially thought she had made it out of the house and had just wandered off. They said family members and neighbors were searching for her when firefighters found her body inside the home. Police said multiple people were inside.
"It spread through the whole thing, pretty much gutted it out," said neighbor Darrell Martin. He said the minor was a 2-year-old girl who was missing while the rest of the people inside had escaped.
"Everyone thought she'd gotten into the neighborhood and hopefully wandered off." Martin along with others began searching. "We searched the whole neighborhood, around the block and under porches and things thinking the child had run scared like that."
He said after an hour, crews found her still inside the home.
"They thought everyone was out," said Martin, who held onto hope during the search and gave it his all. "I mean instincts. You just go and try to help the best you can. Especially in times like this here you got people to come together, you might not even know them, but they're here for you," he said.
Madisonville Fire-Rescue public information officer Sarah Van Landingham said the department is grateful for the support of the community.
Madisonville Fire-Rescue is offering emotional and mental support for those that responded. Fire chaplains will help crews work through any emotional issues that come up after such a tragic event.
"Tonight our crews worked a fatality fire. We ask that you be respectful of the family that suffered the loss and our responders as they deal with this tragedy. We will release more information as we are able," the department said.
It's still an open case. The TBI is investigating.