Local News
6 Dead, Including 4 Children, in Two-Alarm House Fire in Charles County
CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — At least six people, including four children, were killed Sunday morning in a two-alarm house fire in the Constitution Hills neighborhood of Charles County, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The blaze was reported at approximately 8:40 a.m. in the 3000 block of Declaration Court North. The Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department, along with multiple surrounding fire companies, responded to the scene following reports of a dwelling fire with possible entrapment.
Upon arrival, fire crews found heavy fire conditions, prompting the incident to be upgraded to a two-alarm response.
Authorities confirmed that all six victims lived in the residence, along with three other individuals.
One occupant managed to escape, while two others were not home when the fire broke out.
Recovery operations remain ongoing as investigators continue to search the debris for additional victims.
Officials said there is currently no indication of criminal activity related to the fire, though the cause remains under active investigation.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office is working closely with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, as is standard procedure for fatal fires.
Heavy machinery is being brought in to assist with debris removal, and the Public Information Officer (PIO) is on scene to provide updates.
The investigation and recovery efforts are expected to continue into the late evening.
“This is a devastating loss for the community,” a spokesperson for the Fire Marshal’s Office said. “Our priority remains determining the cause of the fire and supporting the families affected by this tragedy.”
Local News
Two Experienced Skydivers Levi Pimentel and Georgia Jean Killed in Midair Collision Near Lake Elsinore
LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. — Two experienced skydivers have died following a tragic midair collision near Lake Elsinore in Southern California after their parachutes became tangled during their final approach to the landing area.
The victims were identified as Levi Pimentel, 29, of Illinois, and Georgia Jean, 56, of South Dakota. Both women died Friday after the accident near Skydive Elsinore, according to information released by the skydiving company.
Officials with Skydive Elsinore said the collision occurred approximately 160 feet above the ground as the two women were approaching the landing area. Following the impact, their parachutes became entangled, preventing them from completing a safe landing.
Emergency responders were dispatched at approximately 11:47 a.m. and found both women near the airfield suffering from critical injuries. They were transported to Inland Valley Medical Center, where both later died.
Skydive Elsinore described Pimentel and Jean as experienced, licensed skydivers who were familiar with the sport.
According to the company, the freefall portion of the jump appeared to proceed normally. Both women reportedly deployed their parachutes at the expected altitude, and officials said there were no indications of equipment failures.
The company also addressed weather conditions at the time of the accident. Winds were reportedly strong, with gusts reaching approximately 20 mph. However, investigators have not determined whether the wind conditions contributed to the collision.
Skydive Elsinore said it was devastated by the deaths of the two women and extended its condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones.
The fatal accident occurred near Lake Elsinore, a city in Riverside County located approximately 70 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, and officials have not established whether weather or other factors played a role in the incident.