Man, 2 children killed in Christmas Day fire in Quakertown

QUAKERTOWN, Pa. - A man and two children were found dead after an early-morning fire in a Quakertown home on Christmas Day that may have been sparked by Christmas tree lights, authorities said.

Quakertown police said fire units were called to Essex Court shortly before 1:30 a.m. Saturday and found half of a twin home ablaze. Bucks County Coroner Meredith Buck said 41-year-old Eric King and the two children, whose identities hadn’t immediately been confirmed, were found deceased.

Another adult and a child who were able to get out of the home were taken to a hospital for treatment and later released. Buck said the other side of the twin home was damaged but there were no fatalities.

Jacob Kratz lives nearby and could not believe his eyes.

"It was horrible hearing about it. We have four kids. I have two biological kids and two step-children," said Kratz. 

The fire broke out just before 1:30 Saturday morning at the home on Essex Court in Quakertown, in Bucks County.

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According to officials, heavy smoke and flames were present upon arrival. Crews were able to bring the fire under control within an hour.

The fire marshal tells FOX 29, the mother and one other child managed to get out of the fire alive. They were both transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital.

Neighbors nearby the home say they’re in shock over the news. "It’s sad. This didn’t have to happen. It’s a tragedy," Kratz added.

The family has been identified as the King Family, according to the Quakertown School District. 

A GoFundMe has been started to help the family. 

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