Daijiworld Media Network – Billings

Billings, Aug 26: Four children and four adults were killed after a gunman opened fire inside a home in Billings, Montana, before the residence was engulfed in flames, authorities said.

Billings Police and the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office said the identities of the deceased were being withheld as the incident remained under investigation. Authorities described the incident on Sunday evening as a family disturbance.

The suspected gunman died from a self-inflicted gunshot, according to local reports. Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive.

Police and sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a home in the 300 block of White Star Circle at around 6:01 pm on Sunday following reports of a shooting. Officials said gunshots could be heard during the emergency call.

Officers reached the scene about 10 minutes later and heard further gunfire from the rear of the residence. Around three minutes afterwards, the house was fully engulfed in flames, police said.

Video from the scene showed law enforcement personnel taking cover behind patrol vehicles while a small tactical team approached the burning structure behind a ballistic shield.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene, but officials said limited water access and fewer fire hydrants posed significant challenges. Fire conditions continued to deteriorate as emergency crews worked to reach the residence.

Billings Fire Chief Matt Hoppel said the delay caused by limited access created significant difficulties and that the residents ultimately died in the fire.

The origin of the fire was also under investigation. Police said certain details were being withheld to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation and recovery efforts, particularly because of concerns over the structural condition of the home following the fire.

Authorities have asked the public for patience as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and fire.