8-year-old girl dies after being found in bed during early morning house fire, officials say

BARROW COUNTY, Ga. — A young child is dead after officials say she was found in a house engulfed in flames

Barrow County fire officials said just before 2:30 a.m. Friday, crews received reports of a fire with people still inside the home on Matthew School Road.

When crews arrived, two adults who had escaped the home said 8-year-old Kairi Thao was still inside.

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Authorities said firefighters entered the home through a bedroom window and Thao in a bed.

Crews quickly got the child out of the window and worked to provide medical care to them and two adults.

The two adults were taken to the hospital.

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Their identities and conditions have not been released.

Officials confirmed that the young girl died.

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“Unfortunately, despite heroic efforts by the firefighters, the child passed away as a result of injuries from the fire,” Deputy Chief Brett Skinner said. “I am very proud of the fact that they put their lives at risk in an attempt to give the child the best chance at surviving. My thoughts and prayers will be with the family that suffered such a great loss and the firefighters who were on the scene.”

Channel 2′s Audrey Washington was in Barrow County Friday, where she talked to neighbors who said the home was consumed by fire so quickly it was nearly impossible to reach the child.

Jasmin Ferhatovic said both he and his wife rushed next door, only to find flames nad smoke wrapped around the home.

“The whole side of the house was all engulfed,” Ferhatovic said.

The child attended Kennedy Elementary. The school released a statement Friday, writing, in part:

“…Our thoughts are focused on this family and their loved ones. We are grateful to our emergency teams who responded to help this family and our counselors and social workers who spent the day at the school to offer support for staff and students. We are holding all who are mourning in our hearts and prayers.”

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The family has set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral and medical expenses. You can donate HERE:

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