Four dead in early-morning house fire --classifieds

Coroner Brad Gilbert investigates the scene.

NAMES RELEASED
Update 7:15pm
Investigators have released the names of the victims of this morning's fire near Lola.

Dead are Kenneth Belt, 75; his granddaughter Lindsey Dickerson, 26; Waylon Hillard, 32; and the couple's 18-month-old child Nathan Hillard.

The cause of the fire has not been determined. Foul play is not suspected. The investigation will continue by Kentucky State Police.

See this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press for further details.

Update 12:21pm

Four people have now been confirmed dead in this mobile home fire, according to County Coroner Brad Gilbert. The identities have still not been released, but it appears that the dead include two young adults, an elderly adult and a very young child, according to authorities.

Updated 9:41am
Two people are confirmed dead and investigators fear that perhaps two more may have perished in a mobile home fire early this morning in rural Crittenden County near New Union Church.

Firemen from Crittenden County and Salem volunteer fire departments were dispatched to Watson Cemetery Road at 4am Sunday, an area near the county line not far from Lola, Ky.

One six-year-old child was reportedly rescued from the home by a family member who lived nearby. That rescue, purportedly occurred before firefighters arrived on scene, according to investigators, who have yet to interview the survivor or the person who allegedly rescued the child.

Three adults and another child were believed inside.

Crittenden County Sheriff's Deputy Chuck Hoover said two are confirmed dead and the investigation is continuing. The state police fire investigator and state police detectives had arrived on scene by 9am. The state fire marshal was also en route.

Crittenden County Coroner Brad Gilbert had been on the scene since before daylight. Gilbert said identities will not be released until the investigation at the location is complete, perhaps later today or tomorrow.

Investigators are asking motorists and curiosity seekers to please avoid the area as fire trucks and those conducting the investigation need ready access to the scene without added traffic.