CARBON COUNTY, Pa. — A growing memorial of stuffed animals and flowers sits on the front steps of this home on Willow Street in Franklin Township.

According to the Carbon County Coroner's Office, a fire broke out at the home just before midnight, claiming the lives of five people; one woman and four children.

When crews arrived, the first floor and the back of the second floor of the double block home were consumed by flames.

Investigators spent most of the morning combing through what was left of the home.

The Lehighton Area School District superintendent says three of the children were in the 9th grade, first grade, and kindergarten.

"I don't even know how to process that as an adult. I can't imagine what the students are trying to think about today, not seeing their friend in sch

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