I donÂ’t usually post stories like this here. IÂ’ll make an exception for this one.

A horrible accident. That's how investigators are describing a Saginaw fire that killed six people, including five children.

The fire started at around 2:30 this morning in the home at the corner of Waller and South Michigan on the city's west side.

One person, 33 year old Tanesha Watkins was rescued and is in fair condition at Covenant Healthcare.

Her husband, Samuel Watkins, 36, died in the fire, along with his stepchildren. They have been identified as Adam Dupuis, 13, daughters Majesty Price, 8, Destiny Price, 5, Essence Price, 3, and Chad Skinner, 1. His birthday was yesterday.

Here's what happened. Samuel Watkins was cooking in the kitchen when the fire started. Tanesha Watkins awoke when one of her daughters got up to go to the bathroom.

Tanesha smelled the smoke and went to look for the fire. She went to the basement, and was trapped as the flames spread.

She was rescued by two Saginaw County sheriff's deputies, who were waved down by the stepfather.

Saginaw Police Fire Investigator Jason Ball explains what the stepfather did next.
"From what we've learned, there was a fire in the kitchen. The father was made aware of the fire, ran outside, sought help from a sheriff's deputy who was on a traffic stop nearby. The sheriff's deputy reported that he observed the 36-year-old stepfather run into the house, through a wall of smoke and flames, to try to make it to the upstairs where the children and his wife were sleeping."

Such a tragedy is hard to wrap your head around. In this case, these people were the family of one of my fellow teachers. IÂ’d ask that you keep this entire family in prayer at this horrific time, that they may know GodÂ’s love in the midst of their sorrrow, and be comforted with the assurance that those who have died are wrapped in the arms of a loving God. Especially, please pray for Tanesha Watkins as she recovers from her injuries and from the devastation of losing her husband and children in one cruel blow.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them. Amen.

Posted by: Greg at 12:19 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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