BUFFINGTON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Two children died after an early morning house fire off Dilltown Heights Road in Indiana County. The home was a total loss.
14-year-old Justin Haas and his girlfriend, 12-year-old Emily Rummel, died in a Buffington Township fire early Sunday morning.
Justin’s uncle, JJ Ludvik, said the families are dealing with the unimaginable.
“My youngest son was like his brother. They talked every day and things like that. He’s taking it the worst. No one is sleeping, and we are trying to remember everything,” said Ludvik. “This family needs a full recovery. Each family lost a child.”
Both children were students at United School District.
The Superintendent released a statement saying:
“Dear United School District Community,
“It is with the utmost sadness and grief that I am regretfully writing this letter. Last evening, the United School District family lost two of its students to a tragic event. We offer our sincerest condolences and support to the families of these students in these heartbreaking times.
“A young person’s death is always tragic, and the sudden loss of life can have a profound effect on surviving students. United is not just a community or school, but a family. It is important in these trying times to recognize this tremendous loss and offer assistance and support.
“The school district has made arrangements to have support services in place for students and staff in need. The school district will have its counselors and members of the Indiana County Stress Management Team available to provide supports. These supports will be available at United Jr./Sr. High School for students wishing to seek them beginning tomorrow, Monday, November 10th at 8:00 AM as well as on Wednesday, November 12th upon students returning to school.
“We ask that each member of our United family keep the families of these students in their thoughts and prayers as they grieve and seek to recover from this tragedy.
“With Great Sadness,
Dr. Richard E. Lucas Superintendent"
The early morning fire also claimed the lives of the Rummel family’s three dogs. The mother is still in the hospital being treated for burns and smoke inhalation, according to the family’s GoFundMe page. Justin’s uncle said they are doing everything they can to give his nephew a proper burial.
“We want to help our sister-in-law as much as we can lay our nephew to rest,” said Ludvik.
It is still unclear what started the fire at the home on Dilltown Heights Road.
A GoFundMe for the Rummel Family and Justin Haas can be found at the links below as well as a location to donate clothes for the Rummel’s. Justin Haas’s service will be held on Wednesday, according to his uncle.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/rummel-family-funeral-expense-and-living-expense
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