Lebanon, Pennsylvania — A community is grieving after a devastating house fire in Lebanon turned a family gathering into a scene of unimaginable heartbreak on Sunday, September 28.
The blaze, which broke out during a birthday party, claimed the lives of five people — including a 4-year-old girl whose mother was one of the paramedics responding to the call.
A Mother’s Unthinkable Loss
When paramedic Azelyn Arenas rushed to the scene with her crew, she believed she was responding to another emergency. Instead, she was confronted with every parent’s worst nightmare.
Among the victims was her own daughter, 4-year-old Veyda Pereyra. The discovery has shaken the entire Lebanon community and underscored the unimaginable weight first responders sometimes carry when their personal and professional worlds collide.
The Fire Spread Too Quickly
Authorities said the fire moved with terrifying speed, leaving little chance for those inside to escape. By the time firefighters arrived, both the first and second floors were already engulfed in flames and heavy smoke.
Despite heroic efforts, the conditions were overwhelming. Fire crews had to call for help from surrounding towns, battling thick smoke and intense heat as they tried to reach those trapped inside.
Ten people were in the home at the time of the fire. Some managed to escape and were rushed to area hospitals. But tragically, five lives were lost.
The Victims Remembered
Officials confirmed the following victims:
- Veyda Pereyra, 4 – daughter of paramedic Azelyn Arenas
- Josefina Estevez, 73 – Veyda’s caretaker
- Amarri Morris Rodriguez, 1
- Jaeden Nunez, 17
- Tailing Nunez, 23
Three people remain hospitalized. Two others were later pulled from the home, but they could not be saved.
A Community in Mourning
The loss has deeply shaken Lebanon, a small city where families and neighbors are closely connected. Vigils are being planned to honor the victims, while support is pouring in for Arenas and the families impacted.
“This is beyond heartbreaking,” said one neighbor. “To think she rushed there to save lives and discovered her own child was gone — there are no words.”
Ongoing Investigation
Fire investigators are still working to determine the cause of the blaze. While no foul play is suspected, officials say the investigation remains open.
For now, the community grieves together — mourning the young lives lost, honoring the heroism of those who tried to save them, and standing with a mother who gave everything to protect others, only to lose the one she loved most.