A terrible fire accident

# disaster

Twelve people, including eight children, are dead after a fire destroyed a Philadelphia rowhouse.

Officials had previously said at least 13 people were killed.

Firefighters arrived at the three-story building at 869 North 23rd Street in the city's Fairmont block around 6:40 a.m., according to the Philadelphia Fire Department.

The department said it would take about 50 minutes to bring the fire under control.

Even hours after the flames were put out, firefighters were still making their way through the rubble and were concerned that there could be more victims.

In addition to the death toll, two people are in critical condition, according to authorities. One of the injured was taken to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the other to Temple University Hospital, officials said.

"We are devastated by the tragic loss of life -- several of them children -- and my thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. I can't tell you how unimaginable this is for loved ones, "Mayor Jim Kenney said.

Firefighters encountered fast-moving flames in the second-floor kitchen and a stairwell connecting the second and third floors. The city said in a statement late Wednesday that it was able to rescue one child who did not survive.