TOWNSVILLE — Counselors were on hand Tuesday in Vance County to help students deal with the loss of two of their classmates.

Two young girls died Monday in a house fire in Townsville. Fire investigators say Oliver Darden and her cousin Susie Ann Alston, started down the stairs to safety, then went back upstairs to get their shoes and were trapped by the smoke and flames. Three other family members were injured.

One is still in serious condition at the UNC Burn Center.

A Memorial Fund has been set up for the Alston and Darden Families with Centura Bank. Donations can be sent to the Alston and Darden Family Memorial Fund, c/o New Hope Elementary School, 10199 NC Hwy. 39, North Henderson, NC, 27536. Checks should be payable to Alston and Darden Memorial Fund.

The school will also be accepting any clothing or food donated. All donations can be dropped off at the New Hope Elementary at the above address during normal school operation hours.