TWO KILLED, TWO INJURED IN ILLINOIS TRAILER FIRE

OLIVE BRANCH, Ill. -- Two young children died in a mobile home fire here early Tuesday.

The victims were identified by the Alexander County coroner's office as Alex Michael Tucker, 1, and his brother, Nicholas Ray Tucker, 3.

The boys' father, Donnie R. Tucker, 26, was in critical condition Tuesday at St. John's Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis. His son, Corey Tucker, 2, was listed in serious condition at the same hospital.

Tucker's wife, Tracy, who also was in the mobile home, escaped unharmed, authorities said.

The children were pronounced dead at the scene at 4:07 a.m. by M. Scott Rash, deputy county coroner.

The state fire marshal's initial report, which was made available to deputy coroner David Hess late Tuesday, said the fire started about 3 a.m. By the time Fire Marshal Charles Caldwell arrived at the scene, the mobile home was fully engulfed in flames.

Alex's body was found in the living room of the mobile home and Nicholas' body was found in a hallway near the bedroom.

Preliminary autopsy results showed that both children died of asphyxiation due to smoke inhalation.

The fire marshal's report said Donnie Tucker was rescued by a neighbor, James Sissom. At this time, said the report, it is not known how the mother or Corey got out of the mobile home.

The fire marshal's report said the mobile home did not have smoke detectors.

Cause of the fire is unknown.

The Horseshoe Lake Fire Department was first on the scene, arriving shortly after 3 a.m. The mobile home is about a quarter mile from Route 3 along the Old Fayville Road.

Also responding were the Cairo Auxiliary fire unit and the Thebes Fire Department.

A fire department spokesman said the mobile home was destroyed.

"We remained on the scene until past 6:30 a.m.," said the spokesman.

Donnie and Corey Tucker were taken to St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau by Air Evac Lifeteam Air Ambulance. The two were taken to the St. Louis hospital by Air Evac and LifeBeat Air Medical Services.

The Tuckers are natives of the Olive Branch area. Donnie Tucker is the son of Phil and Mary Ann Dillow of Tamms, and Tracy Tucker is the daughter of Tony and Jo Ann Sissom of Olive Branch.

The Alexander County coroner's office, Alexander County Sheriff's Department and Illinois fire marshal's office are investigating the fire.