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Teen Girl Killed In Shamokin Fire

SHAMOKIN — A 13-year-old girl was killed in a fire in Northumberland County, according to officials. The fire started at a home on South Rock Street in Sh...

SHAMOKIN -- A 13-year-old girl was killed in a fire in Northumberland County, according to officials.

The fire started at a home on South Rock Street in Shamokin around 11 a.m. Tuesday and spread to two other rowhomes.

According to the Shamokin Police Chief, Melissa Pangburn, age 13, a seventh grader at Shamokin Middle School, did not make it out of the fire.

NUMB FIRE Melissa Pangburn VICTIM MUG

Those on the scene first tried desperately to get to the victim.

“The steps were just a ball of flames. There was just nothing anybody could do. Everybody did what they could possibly do,” said Shamokin Police Chief Ed Griffiths.

Smoke could be seen for miles. The tragedy even affected those who don’t know the family.

“It's horrible! I couldn't even imagine that honestly,” said neighbor Sherry Lahr. “I couldn't, I am sorry.”

“Being a firefighter and I feel sorrow for the family. I wish I was here to provide help for them but all we can do is give our thoughts and prayers to the family,” said Victoria Fortune.

Brightly colored holiday items could be seen on the porch but it's clear the atmosphere of the Christmas season has been saddened because of the death of the girl.

“It's just terrible, terrible,” said Chief Griffiths. “Just pray for the family.”

There is no information on the cause of the fire. A state police fire marshal is investigating.

Friends of the victim are devastated by the news.

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