Memorial grows for victims of Hartford house fire

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) – Two adults and two children were killed in a fire in Hartford early Monday morning.

Fire officials have not officially released the identities of the victims. However, family members shared more about them with Channel 3.

A memorial for them grew near the scene of the fire on Shultas Place.

People came to drop off balloons and stuffed animals, and to share their stories about those who died.

“We’re holding on trying to stay strong. A lot of tears a lot of screams a lot of anger. Why did she leave why did they leave. Not only one but four,” said Jennifer Garcia, a family friend.

Katiria Charles said she was outside the home on Shultas Place after the fire.

Charles told Eyewitness News that her son’s girlfriend, 21-year-old Krystalee Hernandez, was one of the people killed in the fire.

She said they began dating when they were just 15 years old, and that Hernandez lived with her for 6 years.

Charles identified the other three victims as Hernandez’s 25-year-old and 14-year-old sisters, as well as her 3-year-old nephew.

“I think she went back to go save the other ones staying on the second and third floor, and tragically she didn’t make it out,” Charles explained.

Four other family members were taken to the hospital, along with a firefighter.

They were all expected to be ok.

Two family members visited the house late Tuesday afternoon. One of them wore bandages on their hands.

“I held my kids a lot closer. As a dad, as a mayor of the city, my heart goes out to this family. It’s just an incredible tragedy,” said Arunan Arulampalam, Mayor of Hartford.

“It was really tragic. It’s something you want to forget,” said Roussell, Hartford.

Neighbors are sharing what they saw and smelled as fire and smoke woke them up on Monday morning.

“My sister woke me up saying, ‘There’s a fire, there’s a fire!’ I’m thinking it’s our house, because you can smell the smoke and everything,” Roussell said.

Roussell, who did not want to share his last name, said he started seeing other neighbors rushing out of their homes to see the flames for themselves.

“Really, really scary. Words can’t describe,” Rousell said.

“It was orange, it was red, different colors. I was astonished. I mean, that was the first time I’ve ever seen a fire like that,” another neighbor added. “It hit me deep. It hit me deep. I thought everybody got out.”

A local bike group, the GY6 Bullies, encouraged its members to bring a showing of support to the neighborhood Tuesday evening.

“It’s very devastating that we have to go through this as a community, but we are here as one. And today is a day to show respect,” said Jose Gonzalez, a member of the group.

The Hartford Fire Department is investigating how the fire started.

According to documents obtained from the city’s Office of Licenses and Inspection, the home owned by Cardinal Realty Investors LLC. They were issued multiple violations by the city in 2021 and 2022 for lighting switches and electrical outlets that were found to be in disrepair.

The city noted these issues were corrected soon after.

There will be a vigil held at the home Wednesday evening.

If you would like to donate to a GoFundMe to help the family, click HERE.