According to Mason City officials, a house fire in northern Iowa has claimed the lives of four children and injured two more.

Wednesday soon after 5 a.m., crews responded to a “completely involved house fire” on N. Washington Avenue, according to a news statement from the city’s fire department.

The department reported that upon arrival at the scene of the fire, firefighters spotted the four youngsters inside the home. The victims were transferred to a hospital, where they were determined to be deceased.․

The Mason City Fire Department has named the victims as 3-year-old Phenix Mcluer, 6-year-old Drako Mcluer, 10-year-old Odin Thor Mcluer, and 12-year-old John Michael Mcluer Jr.,

According to the fire department, Ravan Dawn Mcluer, 11, and John Michael Mcluer Sr., 55, also left the residence with “burn-related injuries.”

Additionally, they were transferred to a hospital “with the assistance of police department officials,” however their status is unknown at this time..․

According to the department’s news release, a pair of firemen sustained minor injuries at the scene.

KTTC, an affiliate of NBC, aired footage of the burnt first floor of the residence following the fire.

A neighbor who previously resided at the residence expressed outrage over the occurrence, telling the broadcaster, “Words cannot express how terrible it is.”

“I mean, I’m praying to the father and daughter who allegedly escaped,” he told KTTC. I am saddened by their loss.․

In Wednesday’s news release, the Mason City Fire Department also conveyed “condolences to the family and friends of the Mcluer family who have endured this loss.”

Officials have stated that an investigation into the fatal fire is now underway..,

The office of the local medical examiner is also investigating the official cause of death of the deceased..,