Police in South Carolina say a woman is facing serious charges after allegedly operating an illegal day care and leaving eight young children unattended in an apartment that later caught fire.
According to authorities, the woman had been caring for multiple children inside the residence without proper licensing when she reportedly left the apartment, leaving the children alone. At some point during her absence, a fire broke out inside the unit, creating a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.
Emergency crews responded quickly to the scene after reports of smoke and flames coming from the apartment. Firefighters were able to rescue the children and bring the fire under control. Officials say the children were evaluated at the scene, and while some may have suffered minor smoke inhalation, no fatalities have been reported.
Investigators allege the woman violated state regulations by operating a day care without a license and by failing to provide proper supervision. She has since been taken into custody and is expected to face multiple charges, including child neglect and unlawful operation of a childcare facility.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire and the full circumstances surrounding the incident. Officials emphasized the importance of ensuring childcare providers are properly licensed and adhere to safety regulations.
