Earlier this afternoon, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office responded to a call at 8601 Pritcher Road in Lithia from a caller reporting a fire in her home.
Upon arrival just 12 minutes later, teamHCSO deputies found 22-year-old Veronica Bermudez with her three-year-old son Elijah Lopez outside the home engulfed in flames. In an effort to rescue the rest of her family, the mother of three sustained burns to her hands and singed her hair.
When Hillsborough County Fire Rescue arrived on site, despite everyone's best efforts, there was so much fire and heat that first responders were unable to save three more family members inside.
The three victims that ultimately succumbed to the fire were:
- 22-year-old male Angel Lopez Sr. (Bermudez's husband)
- Five-year-old boy Angel Lopez Jr.
- 14-month-old girl Harmony Lopez
"This scene has all of our responders shaken," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Losing three lives, especially two children, is a tragedy beyond words. Nothing prepares you for scenes like this. My heart is heavy with sadness for the family and the community."
Bermudez and her son, Elijah, are recovering at an area hospital.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue is still investigating the cause of the fire and all further updates on this scene will be provided by their team.
