3 young children die in fire at Georgia meth lab

Children were rushed to the hospital and later died after a fire broke out in the suburban Atlanta home

Published February 18, 2011 10:11PM (EST)

This photo released by Gwinnett Sheriff's Department on Friday, Feb. 18, 201 shows murder suspect Ivan Gonzalez. Gwinnett County authorities say three children died in a fire that appears to have been caused by chemicals used to make methamphetamine. Gwinnett County police Cpl. Jake Smith says police are seeking 26-year-old Ivan Gonzalez, who has been charged with three counts of murder in the deaths of the children. (AP Photo/Gwinnett County Sheriff's Department) (AP)
This photo released by Gwinnett Sheriff's Department on Friday, Feb. 18, 201 shows murder suspect Ivan Gonzalez. Gwinnett County authorities say three children died in a fire that appears to have been caused by chemicals used to make methamphetamine. Gwinnett County police Cpl. Jake Smith says police are seeking 26-year-old Ivan Gonzalez, who has been charged with three counts of murder in the deaths of the children. (AP Photo/Gwinnett County Sheriff's Department) (AP)

Authorities say a fire broke out at a suburban Atlanta house where methamphetamine was being prepared, killing three young children.

When firefighters arrived at the two-story house in Lilburn around 4 p.m. Thursday, heavy smoke was billowing from inside. The children, who ranged in age from 18 months to 4 years, were taken to a hospital and later died from their injuries.

Authorities believe the fire was caused when chemicals used to make methamphetamine ignited.

Gwinnett County police Cpl. Jake Smith said Friday that police were seeking 26-year-old Ivan Gonzalez and have charged him with murder in the children's deaths. The children's mother has also been charged with trafficking methamphetamine.

Investigators found nearly $200,000 and several pounds of liquid and finished methamphetamine.


By Kate Brumback

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