Three young children are dead after a fire engulfed their Mandarin home early Wednesday morning.
The children’s parents — Gentian Manati and Albana Manati — were transported to the hospital in critical condition, along with their 9-year-old son and 2-month-old baby.
Gentian’s cousin, Kelly Manati, tells us they got hurt trying to get to safety.
“The family, the mother, and two kids, the 2-month-old and the 9-year-old, they jumped from the window,” Kelly said.
Kelly says the 9-year-old broke a window upstairs, and that’s how they were able to jump out. He says the children’s mother, Albana, saved her 2-month-old by throwing him out the window to a neighbor below.
But no one realized the other three children didn’t make it until a few hours later.
“They thought they were recovered by the firefighters because they were still alive when she jumped from the window, but it was heartbreaking,” Kelly said.
“[The firefighters] were there in like four minutes because [the station] was right around the corner, but unfortunately, when they came, it was too late for the kids to be saved.”
Left in the children’s place is a memorial on the front lawn made up of stuffed animals, balloons and flowers.
Kelly says the twin boys were best friends, as were the 2-year-old son and surviving 9-year-old.
“He just learned that his brother is not here no more,” Kelly said. “So his heart is broken. He’s taking it so bad at the moment.”
Kelly says the family, now half the size they were before, is still grappling with their new reality, but the community’s support has been nothing short of overwhelming.
“Everyone is supporting my cousin’s family,” Kelly said. “This is from our community as Albanians, Jacksonville community… a lot of people from all over the world.”
Kelly says the surviving family members have been released from the hospital and are staying at a hotel tonight. You can donate to their GoFundMe by clicking here.
The fire damaged two other nearby units, causing 13 to be displaced.
The State Fire Marshal is still investigating the cause.
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