Tragedy for an Albanian family! These are the three children who lost their lives in the fire, two of them twins

Loved ones of the Albanian family who lost three children in a devastating house fire on Wednesday are asking the community for support.

A cousin told News4JAX that the three children who died were 11-year-old twins and a 2-year-old. She said that two adults and two other children, aged 2 months and 9 years old, are hospitalized with critical injuries sustained in the fire.

The cousin, Alessia Firi, launched a GoFundMe campaign for the Manati family, which has so far raised more than $110,000. Firi said the funds will help cover unexpected medical and funeral expenses.

“The family and their community are completely devastated as they face the unbearable pain of this loss, while holding on to hope for healing and recovery,” Firi wrote on the fundraising page. “The hope is to ease even a small part of this burden so that the family can focus on healing, grieving, and being together.”

Firi told News4JAX that Genti, the father of the children who died, is her mother’s uncle. The extended family is originally from Albania.

Firefighters said the fire broke out at 5:13 a.m. Wednesday on Windergate Drive near Old St. Augustine Road in Mandarin. The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

Fire Chief Percy Golden said crews arrived just four minutes later and found a large fire on the first floor and heavy smoke on the second floor.

Two adults had already escaped with two minors before the crews arrived.

A neighbor told News4JAX that an infant and an adult who were among the survivors jumped from a second-floor window and were successfully caught by bystanders.

Golden said firefighters searched the home and found three children dead. The fire was declared under control at 5:38 a.m.

JFRD transported the two adults and two children who survived the fire to a nearby hospital with critical injuries, Golden said.

The Red Cross is assisting seven adults and six children who have been displaced by the fire.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit are investigating the fire.

“KORÇA BOOM”