Sleepy Eye House Fire Leaves Woman in Critical Condition, Child Injured

SLEEPY EYE, Minn. — A house fire early Thursday morning left a woman in critical condition and a child hospitalized in southwestern Minnesota.

The incident occurred around 7:01 a.m. on the 700 block of 3rd Avenue N.E. When emergency responders arrived, they found two citizens helping occupants escape from the fully engulfed home.

Authorities reported that a 29-year-old woman was still inside the residence. Firefighters quickly entered the building and successfully removed her, according to Sleepy Eye Police Investigator Shawn Bohnen.

The woman, identified as Katie Rehbein, was transported to Sleepy Eye Medical Center and later flown to a hospital in the Twin Cities for urgent treatment of extensive burns and smoke inhalation. Her three-year-old son was also taken to the Twin Cities for additional care. As of Thursday evening, he was reported to be in guarded condition.

Four other occupants were transported to Sleepy Eye Medical Center. These included a 56-year-old woman and three boys aged 11, 8, and 6 years. Their conditions are currently stable.

The fire caused significant damage, and authorities are working to determine its cause. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is conducting an investigation, alongside the Sleepy Eye Police and Fire Departments. Further updates on the condition of the victims and details about the fire will be provided as the investigation continues.