Norwich Police Provide Update On Fire That Led To Girl's Death

NORWICH, CT — A house fire claimed the life of a 7-year-old girl in Norwich on Tuesday, and police are sharing a call for donations to help the family.

Police responded to the call at 5:25 p.m. Tuesday reporting a large structure fire at 83 Summit St. Callers reported that a child was stuck inside the home.

Emergency responders found a 7-year-old girl unresponsive on the home's second floor "and all attempts to save her life were unsuccessful," police said in a statement Thursday.

"Sadly, several members of our community suffered an unimaginable loss as a result of the fire," police said. "Now we find ourselves trying to support a young family who are struggling to deal with that loss."

Police said there were two adults living in the home, as well as a 12-year-old sister and 5-year-old brother.

The fire heavily damaged the home, and the family lost almost all of their possessions.

Police along with the board of education and fire department have begun a "call for action from our community to try and help this young family move forward," police said.

The family has numerous needs following the fire. Donated items may be dropped off at the Norwich Board of Ed Central Office at 90 Town St. between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

There will also be a collection point at the police department at 70 Thames St. at any time of day.

Among the items the family needs are children's clothing, toiletries, and school supplies.

More information on donating and a full list of needed items is available here.

The incident is still under investigation, police said.