Dillon fire kills 4, including 3 children

This is the Dillon house where four people died Tuesday.

By: Eric Walters | SCNOW
Published: May 13, 2008

An early morning house fire claimed the lives of four people including three children in Dillon Tuesday.

According to Dillon firefighter Jerry Richardson, the fire happened at 310 South 4th Avenue in Dillon around 12:30 a.m. Once firefighters arrived at the scene, the house was totally engulfed in flames.

Richardson said that once firefighters were able to get in the home, they found the bodies of one adult and three children inside.

Residents and extended family who live near the home say the father tried to save his wife and three young children, but was unable to do so.

The Dillon County coroner's office identified the victims as 27-year-old Jennifer Sowells, 4-year-old Lakwan Sowells, 3-year-old Curtis Sowells Jr. and 2-year-old Dere'll Sowells.

Residents are holding a make-shift memorial for the family at a home near the residence, on the 300 block of Dargan street. There, friends will have a chance to come by and pay their respects.

The funeral home and family are seeking any monetary donations to help with funeral expenses, as they will have to bury four people.

The funeral director is asking that the community either call Kathy Sowell at (843) 615-3981, or come by the home where the memorial is taking place, at 305 E. Dargan street in Dillon.

They say the family did not have insurance.

Authorities believe the fire resulted from an electrical problem in the home.