NEHAWKA, Neb. (AP) - Investigators say embers or hot ashes from a living room fireplace touched off a fire that killed six members of a southeast Nebraska family.
Thirty-six-year-old Michael and Michelle Speer and their girls were killed early Thursday morning at their home near the village of Nehawka about 30 miles south of Omaha.
The Cass County Sheriff's Office said in a news release Monday that flames erupted in combustible materials near the fireplace and soon spread to room furnishings and up walls.
The sheriff's office says firefighters found all six bodies in beds. A preliminary autopsy report says they died from smoke inhalation.
The four girls have been identified as 11-year-old Elli Perez, 7-year-old Adilynn Speer, 5-year-old Emma Speer and 2-year-old Anniston Speer.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Holton man killed in Jackson Co crash
Morrill pair arrested on drug, child endangerment charges
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Local residents avoid injury in chain reaction crash
90 mph+ downburst winds blamed for Thursday damage
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Wamego man sentenced in second fentanyl-related death
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Stolen trailer, 4-wheeler, recovered in Atchison
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Two arrested following Friday Jackson Co traffic stop
McLouth man injured in Monday wreck
No injuries in early Sunday morning house fire in Falls City
LATEST STORIES
Doniphan Co Commission approves overlay projects
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Atchison company earns energy grant; upgrades planned
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
April is Alcohol Awareness Month in Nebraska
MoDOT to discuss Holt County bridge projects
Sheriff's Office to take part in drug take back event