Mankato Apartment Fire Kills 2 Children, Hospitalizes Mother

A tragic fire in a Mankato apartment early Monday morning claimed the lives of two children, Aiden and Annika, and critically injured their mother, Deanna Lenzen, who is currently being treated at Hennepin County Medical Center's Burn Unit. The fire broke out around 2 a.m. at 233 1/2 Bradley Street, where five people lived; a man and another child escaped unharmed, and another child is expected to recover. Firefighters found heavy flames upon arrival, and the mother was airlifted to the hospital and placed in a hyperbaric chamber to aid her lung recovery from smoke inhalation. Authorities, including the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office, are investigating the cause of the fire, which does not appear to have been intentionally set. Community support has been strong, with a GoFundMe raising over $8,000 to help the family after they lost everything. Officials expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, especially given its timing at the start of the school year, and pledged ongoing support for those affected.