West Bloomfield house fire victim's mother starts GoFundMe as identities of three fatally injured children revealed

Three children died Sunday night in a house fire in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, which has devastated the local community. Following the tragedy, the children's mother, Liz Osinde Oliora, launched a GoFundMe page to help her with expenses during the challenging period.

The fire started at a home on Pembury Lane, near 14 Mile Road and Orchard Lake Road, around 8 p.m. on February 2. The smoke and flames quickly drew the attention of neighbors, some of whom tried to alert people inside and called 911. Sadly, the children could not get away.

On arriving, firefighters forced entry into the home and discovered three children trapped inside: 16-year-old Hannah Oliora, 14-year-old Jeremiah Oliora, and 12-year-old Jacob Oliora. All three were reported dead after being rushed to nearby hospitals.

Authorities have said that there were no working smoke detectors inside the house. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Police and fire officials have also prepared a search warrant in order to collect more evidence from the house.

The community is reeling in response to the loss of the three children. West Bloomfield High School, where Hannah studied, issued a statement extending condolences and indicating that it was providing grief support services to all its students. They said:

"A tragedy like this impacts all of us differently and the grief we feel can manifest in many ways."

Neighbors residing in the West Bloomfield area described the harrowing experience of watching the fire unfold. A neighbor, Jonathan Estes, recalled that when he arrived on the scene, he assumed the house was vacant because of packages at the front door and visible lack of activity inside.

Ongoing investigation related to West Bloomfield house fire and GoFundMe launched by the mother

To help deal with the legal costs and other funeral expenses, Liz Osinde Oliora launched a GoFundMe on Tuesday. By Wednesday evening, the fundraiser had raised more than $2,300 of its $20,000 goal. Under the GoFundMe campaign Oliora wrote:

"My immediate family, and I are very grateful for your support and love we have received this far, any support will be highly appreciated."

West Bloomfield Township police and fire officials are still investigating the circumstances that led to the fire. The findings will be turned over to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for examination.

According to The Detroit News, the West Bloomfield Police have said that anyone with information related to the fire should reach out to Detective Alex Mutchler. The O.H. Pye III Funeral Home, which is handling the funeral arrangements, has offered to cover the costs of their fees for the family.