- The Washington Times - Friday, July 11, 2014

Five family members — a mother and father, along with their three children — were among the seven who were killed in a massive apartment fire in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Torn Sak and Ellen Vuong were the parents of a 7-year-old girl, a 9-year-old boy and a 12-year-old boy — all killed, said Sak’s brother, Thearan Sak, NECN.com reported. Mr. Sak also said two of his brother’s other sons were able to escape the home.

Two more died in the fire: Tina Christakos, 36, and Bob Down, 76, NECN.com reported.

Fire authorities said the fire was escalated when a stash of fireworks in the building ignited in the flames. They also said the building was built in 1890 and did not have a sprinkler system.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.

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