NEWNAN, Ga. — The Georgia fire commissioner released new details after a devastating house fire in Newnan that killed six people, including children, and injured five others earlier this week.
On Thursday, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King said that he did not suspect any foul play during the officer's investigation. He also stated in a statement that the fire started in the garage area, but it's still unclear what caused the fire.
The devastating fire broke out on Tuesday on Macedonia Road. Coweta County Fire crews said they were sent out to the property just before 5 a.m. Fire crews on the scene said at least 50% of the home was burned.
11Alive SkyTracker flew over the charred home, and the video shows the severe damage and debris from the flames.
“Out of the 11 occupants, five were able to escape and were transported to Grady Hospital for treatment,” said Commissioner King. “The remaining occupants were declared deceased on scene. Upon initial examination, the fire appears to have started in the garage area of the structure. This fire remains under investigation, though we do not suspect any foul play at this time.”
Coweta County Coroner's Office said the ages of those killed are 6, 12, 13, 36, 60, and 70. Coweta County Fire Chief Robby Flanagan noted that the situation is hitting crews hard.
Ryan McMillan, a neighbor who said he heard what sounded like calls for help, came up on the home as those five people were coming out.
“You never want to see anything like this happen to anybody," said McMillian. “The adult female had two babies in her arms, a small little girl behind her, and they were completely black and covered in soot and all dirty. The male had his shirt off and no shoes on, and he wasn't very responsive. It just seemed like he may have been in shock."
King said the fire is still under investigation, and they are working with the Coweta County Sheriff's Office, Coweta County Fire Rescue, and Coweta County Coroner on this investigation.
In the hours since the fire, a family member of those impacted said they've received support since the tragedy and continue to ask for prayers.
"We appreciate the outpouring of love and prayer during this most difficult time," a family member told 11Alive in a statement. We cannot begin to know where to start in rebuilding. Right now, we are asking for prayers and privacy as we navigate this unimaginable tragedy."