Thursday, October 1, 2026
An infant was killed when a running vehicle caught fire while the child was sitting inside of it in a car seat on Tuesday, July 21.
The incident happened at approximately 12:10 p.m. at a residence in the 300 block of 93rd Avenue SE near Tumwater.
Thurston County Sheriff's Office personnel, as well as firefighters responded to the scene after a caller notified dispatch that the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames with the infant inside.
"Despite the efforts of the child's father, nearby residents, and emergency personnel, the infant
died in the fire. The preliminary investigation indicates the father and his three children, ages 12 years, 2 years, and 5 months, were preparing to leave their residence," said the sheriff's office in a report.
"The father briefly returned inside the home while the children remained inside the running vehicle.
A short time later, smoke began filling the vehicle. The 12-year-old was able to remove the 2-year-old from the vehicle before running inside to alert their father.
"When they returned outside, the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. The father and several neighbors attempted to extinguish the fire and rescue the infant. Several individuals sustained burn injuries during the rescue attempt. The father, the injured individuals and children were transported for medical evaluation and treatment."
Sheriff's office detectives are working with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives fire investigators to determine the cause of the vehicle fire.
"Our thoughts are with the family, loved ones, and all those affected by this tragic loss," the sheriff's office said.
2 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
susanannaanna2
What caught on fire?
Thursday, July 23 Report this
DudeGuyOly
That's just gut-wrenching. My heart breaks for that family—no parent thinks a brief run inside could ever cost them everything, and no words can touch what they're going through right now. Sending them love and strength.
Thursday, July 23 Report this