UPDATE: Victims Of Deadly Switzerland Co. House Fire Identified

The fire happened early Saturday morning in Vevay.

Update posted on Monday, March 30th, 5:03 a.m.:

The Switzerland County Coroner’s Office has identified the six victims of a deadly house fire early Saturday morning. 

Paige A. M. Ridener, 25, James S. Ridener, 15, Jordan T. Ridener, 13, Joshua A. Ridener, 12, Emilee A. Ridener, 11, and Elizabeth G. Ridener, 10, were all identified as the victims inside the house. 

All victims were siblings. Five of the siblings lived at the residence while the eldest, Paige, has recently been staying at the home. 

Joseph Buchheit, 33, Paige's boyfriend, was at the home when the fire started and was able to escape without injury.

Due to heavy and smoke, Buchheit was unable to re-enter the home to get to the six victims.

The Indiana State Police, Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Switzerland County Coroner’s Office are continuing to investigate. 

The cause of the fire and deaths has not yet been determined.

No foul play is suspected at this time.

 

Original story posted Saturday, March 28th, 9:55 p.m.:

(Vevay, Ind) - Six people were found dead in a devastating house fire in Switzerland County. 

The Switzerland County Sheriff's Office and multiple fire departments responded to the house fire on the 9500 block of Lewis Drive in Vevay around 3:00 a.m. Saturday.

Upon arrival, first responders found the two story residence fully engulfed.

Six deceased victims were later located inside the residence. 

Indiana State Police were called to the scene to investigate. One adult male was able to escape the residence without injury. 

The Indiana Fire Marshal's Office is working to determine the cause and origin of the fire. Foul play is not suspected at this time. 

The Indiana State Police and Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office were assisted by the Switzerland County Sheriff’s Office, Switzerland County EMS, Switzerland County Coroner’s Office, East Enterprise Fire Department, Jeff-Craig Fire Department, Bear Branch Fire Department, Moorefield Fire Department, and Posey Township Fire Department.

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