Four Children Found in Rubble of Missouri Home After a Fire

Authorities say four children have been found dead inside a house destroyed by fire in Missouri.

Lake Ozark Fire Protection District assistant chief Matt Birdsley said in a news release that firefighters rushed to the home just before 1 a.m. Thursday. Birdsley says crews tried to search the property but the fire was too fierce.

Birdsley says a neighbor told firefighters it appeared the residents weren't home because their vehicle was gone. But a short time later the residents arrived and said their four children were in the home. The release says the children and two pets later were found dead inside.

The children were identified as 14-year-old Tyler Otto, 8-year-old Cason, 5-year-old Max and 4-year-old Levi.

Lake Ozark is about 120 miles (195 kilometers) southeast of Kansas City.