Elementary School Student Dies In Middlefield House Fire

MIDDLEFIELD, CT — An elementary school student died in a house fire in Middlefield early Friday morning.

The fire broke out 1:06 a.m. at a single-family home on Dwight Drive, fire officials said.

Firefighters encountered the entire front of the home engulfed in flames with someone trapped inside the dwelling, officials said.

"Tragically, the occupant was found deceased a short time into the incident.," fire officials said.

A dog made it out of the home safely, fie officials said.

The identity, gender, and age of the victim are not being released at this time by fire and school officials. Regional School District 19 Superintendent Doug Schuch released a statement indicating the person who died was a local student:

"Last night a learner who attends John Lyman Elementary school died in a house fire in the Town of Middlefield. We are withholding the name of the child at this time out of respect for the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this child in this most difficult time. We will be sending additional counseling staff to John Lyman Elementary School today to support children and adults in the aftermath of this tragedy. We will also be sending additional counselors to support staff at Brewster Elementary School where the child attended school previously. Please contact your school if you or your child need any support today or in the days ahead."