Update (10/20/16 5:30 pm from Post Staff)
The Post has confirmed through family that the fire claimed the lives of a family of six.
Killed in the tragedy were Michelle Collins Speer, her husband Mike and their four daughters, Elli, Adilynn, Emma and Anniston.
Michelle is a 1998 graduate of North Platte High School. The oldest child, Elli, 11, was also the daughter of 1997 NPHS graduate James Perez.
Our prayers are with the family.
NEHAWKA, Neb. (AP) — Officials say a fire in rural southeastern Nebraska has left more than one person dead, but say they are unable to yet determine how many have been killed.
The Nebraska Fire Marshal’s Office says firefighters were called shortly after midnight Wednesday to a house near the village of Nehawka in Cass County by a neighbor. The neighbor reported a fire with people still inside the home.
The Fire Marshal’s Office says its investigators were still on the scene Thursday afternoon, noting there have been “multiple fire fatalities,” but can’t confirm a specific number. Investigators have ordered autopsies to identify remains as they are found.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office and County Attorney are helping with the investigation. Both of those departments referred questions Thursday to the Fire Marshal’s Office.