SandyMaloneSchwenksville, PA – Two young sons of a Montgomery County sheriff’s deputy died in a house fire early Wednesday morning.
Deputy Sheriff Bryan Lukens, his wife, and his daughter all escaped the fire, and were found in the yard of the house when firefighters arrived on the scene, according to WCAU.
The Pennsylvania State Police said that while Deputy Lukens was able to get his daughter out, he wasn’t able to get to his sons. 11-year-old Bryan Jr. and six-year-old Parker, died on the second floor of the home.
The family pets also died in the fire, according to Faithwire.
Neighbors said that around 5 a.m., flames engulfed their home, the county said in a press release.
“Our office is devastated to learn about this tragedy,” said Montgomery County Sheriff Sean P. Kilkenny said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lukens family as they grieve their losses.”
Police said it took crews about 30 minutes to bring the blaze “under control,” but the media reported firefighters battled the fire for more than 90 minutes.
Deputy Lukens was transported via helicopter to the burn unit at Lehigh Valley Hospital.
His wife and their 9-year-old daughter Soffia were treated for their injuries Pottstown Hospital and released, the sheriff’s department said.
They joined Deputy Lukens, who remained hospitalized at Lehigh Valley Hospital. Deputy Lukens was expected to be released later Wednesday.
Investigators used a drone to help sort through debris as they searched for a cause of the deadly fire. No information or details have been released.
A family friend created a Go Fund Me to help the Lukens family in the wake of their devastating loss. Generous contributors raised $63,299 in the first six hours after it was posted.
Even if you aren’t able to donate, please share this story to help get it to others.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lukens family.