Multiple people, including three children, have died after a birthday party celebration turned into tragedy. An accidental fire broke out in a home, engulfing it in flames with everyone trapped inside. As people rushed to try and help, they realized that the fire was simply too strong. Even firefighters had trouble fighting the blaze, calling for help from other local firehouses. Thankfully, some people did survive the blaze and are coming together to mourn.
Firefighters from the Lebanon Fire Department responded to the call around 8:43 a.m. September 28, 2025, the City of Lebanon shared in a statement.
“Upon arrival, both the first and second floors of the residence were fully engulfed, with flames visible from the windows. Firefighters were immediately advised that individuals were trapped inside the building,” the statement read.
According to the statement, 10 people were inside the home when the fire began, with several of them visiting for a birthday celebration.
Quickly, firefighters realized the fire was already unwieldy and called in for backup from neighboring fire companies. At first, firefighters began diligently working to suppress the fire enough to have better access to the interior of the house.
“During this effort, three individuals were located and transported to WellSpan/Good Samaritan Hospital,” the statement explained. “After rescuing these victims, conditions within the structure deteriorated, forcing crews to withdraw and continue suppression efforts from the exterior. Once conditions stabilized, firefighters re-entered the building and recovered two additional victims.”
After getting things under control, it was reported that four people in the home had died, ranging in age from 1 to 73, per WGAL. They are 1-year-old Amarri Morris Rodriguez, 4-year-old Veyda Pereyra, 17-year-old Jaeden Nunez, and 73-year-old Josefina Estevez. One other victim was listed in critical condition, with another in stable condition. Four other people got out with only minor injuries.
On September 30, WGAL reported that a fifth victim, 23-year-old Tailing Nunez, had died, according to Lebanon Mayor Sherry Capello.
After an investigation, the incident was ruled an accidental fire after it was discovered to have originated from an electrical outlet on the home’s first floor.
“The City of Lebanon is fortunate to have such a courageous and dedicated community of first responders — neighbors who come together without hesitation in moments of greatest need to protect lives and property,” Capello shared in a statement.
A neighbor spoke with Local 21 News, sharing that he made an attempt to help.
“Once the guy said there was a baby inside the house I tried to get in, and directly across from me there was a couch on fire, and the fire was real intense, and the smoke was really thick. So I tried to get under it, but there was no way for me to get in there,” the neighbor said.
“On behalf of the City, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. Words cannot capture the depth of our sorrow for their loss. Our thoughts and prayers remain with all those impacted by this devastating event,” the mayor continued in the statement.
A GoFundMe account has been set up for the family to help with funeral and moving costs.
