A house fire in the Birchwood area of Waterford City killed four people, including two children, on Tuesday morning. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 5am. The blaze, which occurred in a semi-detached home, led to the launch of a murder investigation by Gardai.
The victims included a man, a woman, and two of their children. Two additional children were reported in critical condition. Gardai confirmed they are investigating all circumstances surrounding the incident, which they suspect may be an arson attack. The house was cordoned off by police as neighbors gathered nearby.
This is the second fatal house fire in Waterford this year. The previous incident, also in the Birchwood area, resulted in three deaths. Authorities have not yet released details about the cause of the fire, but the ongoing investigation suggests a possible criminal element. The fire service and emergency teams remain on site as the situation develops.
