Child dies after being rescued from Kannapolis house fire

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (WBTV) - A 12-year-old child has died after being rescued from a house fire in Cabarrus County on Saturday night.

The fire happened around 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, along Polo Avenue near Richard Avenue in Kannapolis.

Officials said firefighters arrived at the home around 1 p.m. and found and removed the child shortly afterward. The child was flown to a regional burn center for specialized care but died that evening.

A second person injured in the fire remains hospitalized, the department said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the child’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Kannapolis Fire Chief Tracy Winecoff said. “We also recognize the firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, and other emergency responders who worked tirelessly to rescue and treat the victims during this tragic incident.”

Investigators are still determining the cause of the fire. Officials said they would not release the child’s identity or additional information about the cause at this time.