{From approximately four years ago}
Smoke awakened the O'Riley family just in time last night as they narrowly escaped the fire which claimed their home - and possibly their son. Dave and Karen O'Riley were rushed to the hospital after firefighters were able to evacuate them from the collapsing house, but their foster son Derrick O'Riley, 12, may have been trapped inside as their home burnt to the ground.
Derrick O'RileyWhile the investigation remains ongoing, fire officials have determined that the blaze started in the kitchen, possibly caused by a malfunctioning oven. The speed with which the fire spread still has investigators perplexed, and architectural experts speculate that below-par insulation may have acted as an accelerant for the flames.
The fire's most puzzling mystery, however, is the fate of young Derrick. Firefighters at the scene reported that a collapsed section of roof cut them off from the boy's room, but the absence of a body in the ashes begs the question - what happened to Derrick O'Riley?
Officials remain hesitant in suggesting that the boy may have escaped, but are asking the public to remain vigilant and come forward if they have seen anything that may provide an answer.
