Fridley police said they were called about a van fire possibly spreading to nearby cars at about 7:15 a.m. in the parking lot of Walmart at 8450 Unversity Avenue NE.

Police said two girls, ages 6 and 9, had to be rescued from the fire.

Authorities said one of the girls suffered possibly life-threatening injuries, but on Tuesday afternoon, officials said both girls were in critical condition, although the 6-year-old is in much worse condition.

According to Lt. Jim Mork with the Fridley Police Department, one of the girls was in and out of consciousness when first responders arrived on scene. He said the girls were left unattended in a black van while their mother was shopping in Walmart for about 45 minutes to an hour. They suffered burns all over their bodies and also smoke inhalation.

Courtesy: Nicolle Moreault Anoka County Jail KSTP Previous Next

Officials said Roberto Lino Hipolito, 70, who drove the white van that caught fire, was arrested and booked into the Anoka County Jail on probable cause negligent fires.

Police said Hipolito's spouse, Nema Inocencio Hibolito, was in the white van when it caught fire but was able to safely get out before it became fully engulfed and spread to other vehicles.

"There were windows that were exploding and even parts from inside the vehicle that were shooting outside as far as 30-40 feet away from the vehicle," Mork said.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the State Fire Marshal. Five vehicles were affected by the flames.

A Facebook post on the city of Fridley's public safety page indicated the store had reopened to customers. Access to the parking lot remained limited to the north entrance.