Five children die in house fire

Five children have died in a house fire in northern Indiana in the US.

A sixth is being treated in hospital for burns after being airlifted to Indianapolis.

An adult escaped with minor injuries from the blaze, in South Bend, with minor injuries, while a firefighter fell through a floor, officials said.

The firefighter was treated in hospital and released.

The cause is being investigated.

The children ranged in age from 17 months to 11 years, fire chief Carl Buchanon told reporters.

The 11-year-old remains in hospital.

The fire was reported at about 6.30pm on Sunday and spread rapidly, partly because of wind, Mr Buchanon said.

The adult who escaped told firefighters how many people were inside and had tried to rescue some but was forced back by heavy smoke and flames, Mr Buchanon added.