Three Kids Killed in Ohio Blaze

WEST CHESTER, Ohio --

An apartment fire killed three children ages 3 to 7 early Saturday in this suburb of Cincinnati.

The youngsters' mother was listed in critical condition at University Hospital.

The blaze, confined to the living room, was ruled accidental, said police spokeswoman Barbara Wilson. She said it was started by an unattended cigarette.

The children, two boys and a girl, were overcome by smoke while they slept in nearby bedrooms.

Fire detectors in the apartment were not operational, Wilson said.

A passer-by reported seeing smoke pouring from the ground floor apartment at about 1 a.m., authorities said.

Names of the victims were not released.

Related Radio@Firehouse Podcasts

• Six Days, Six Fires, 19 Children and 9 Adults Killed
• Fire Marshal's Corner