Scene from a house fire in St. Paul, Minnesota, that claimed the lives of four children.Photo:FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul/YouTube
FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul/YouTube
A fourth child has now died following a devastatinghouse fire last week in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The St. Paul Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE in an email that Muaj Vang, a 1-year-old boy, died Saturday evening.
The blaze previously claimed the lives of the boy’s other siblings, 5-year-old twin sisters Sivntxhi Vang and Ntshiab Vang, and brother Muaj Tshav Ntaj Vang, 4, according to police.
The children’s mother and two additional siblings remained in critical condition as of Monday, CBS affiliateWCCOreported.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
According to theSt. Paul Fire Department, the fire broke out in the early morning hours of Jan. 3 on the 1200 block of Arkwright St. The department said that seven people were rescued and hospitalized.
On Thursday, authoritiessaid an unattended candle likely was the source of the fire. They previously said thesmoke detectors inside the home seemed functionalat the time.
In aGoFundMecreated after the incident, the children’s father said that he was at work at the time of the fire.
“When I heard the news from the police about my family while I was at work, I rushed home with empty words of emotion,” wrote Pa Cheng Vang. “All my 6 children and wife were sent to the hospital.”
Vang, who had just enjoyed celebrating the New Year as a family, went on to say he still can’t believe that was “the last time I spent with my kids.”
Vang has since spoken out about the importance of fire safety.
The GoFundMe, which will cover funeral expenses, has raised over $420,000 as of Tuesday.
“I am wholeheartedly grateful for the support, prayers, and donations during this incredibly difficult time,” Vang wrote, “I greatly appreciate everyone for helping.”
The St. Paul Police Department told PEOPLE Tuesday that the fire remains under investigation and “is still considered a tragic accident.”
source: people.com
