WALDORF, Md. — The Southern Maryland community is rallying to support the family of Waldorf’s China Express owners after a devastating house fire killed six people — four children and two adults — on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, in the 3000 block of North Declaration Court in Waldorf. A verified GoFundMe has been launched to help the survivors recover from the tragedy.
The GoFundMe campaign was launched by Mei Ni, the homeowner’s sister, to support the surviving family members. The BayNet has confirmed the fundraiser is legitimate. The campaign states that nine people were living in the home at the time, and that the fire claimed the lives of the homeowner’s four grandchildren, daughter and daughter-in-law.
According to the fundraiser, donations will be used for clothing, medication, doctor visits, food, daily living expenses and funeral costs. As of Wednesday, the campaign had raised $10,160 toward its $28,000 goal from more than 136 donors. Contributions will be transferred to the surviving son’s bank account to assist with expenses directly.
Community members have mobilized additional ways to help. QR code posters linking to the GoFundMe are available at the family’s restaurant, China Express (3223 Plaza Drive, Waldorf), and The Crab Boat (9425 Berry Road, Waldorf) is also serving as a drop-off point for gift cards and displaying the GoFundMe QR code.
What Happened
On Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, a house fire in Waldorf killed six people, including four children. The blaze was reported around 8:40 a.m. at a home on North Declaration Court in Charles County. More than 70 firefighters responded, but the fire burned for over an hour before being brought under control.
Charles County Public Schools released a statement confirming that one of its families was affected by the tragedy: “We are aware of a fatal fire that occurred early this morning in Waldorf. The tragedy has impacted one of our families. Please keep the family, our first responders and community in your thoughts.”
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