Prime Minister Andrew Holness has expressed sorrow and outrage following this morning’s tragic fire in St. Ann which claimed the lives of three children.

Dead are two-year-old Tavaughno Mattis, four-year-old Tashanie Mattis, and seven-year-old Tashana Mattis.

Reports are that the children perished in a blaze at their home in Walkerswood, St. Ann sometime around 2:00 AM.

Jamaica Fire Brigade Commissioner Stewart Beckford said their remains were discovered during cooling-down operations.

The children’s grandmother and a 5-year-old child escaped the blaze.

In a statement this afternoon, Prime Minister Holness lamented that this is the second instance of children dying in a fire in recent days.

Just Wednesday, a five-year-old girl perished in a house fire in Whitehall, Kingston, while in the care of an elderly relative.

Mr. Holness said the latest incident highlights gaps in vigilance and responsible parenting.

He urged parents not to neglect their parental responsibilities.

He added that he has directed the relevant authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and provide support to the families and community.