Toddler survives fatal OKC fire, released after 5 weeks in hospital

A young boy who was severely burned in a fatal northwest Oklahoma City house fire is now home with family after spending five weeks in the hospital.

Two-year-old Richard Eubanks Jr., affectionately nicknamed “Peanut,” suffered second-and third-degree burns over 27% of his body during the fire in February. He underwent two surgeries on his right arm and hand at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center.

The fire claimed the lives of his mother, Ashley, and half-brother, Ollie. His father, Richard Eubanks Sr., ran back into the burning home to save his son but later died from his injuries.

On Thursday, hospital staff and family members celebrated as Peanut rang the hospital bell — a tradition for patients being discharged after long or difficult stays.

This is the sound his family has waited to hear -- Peanut is finally going home.

Richard’s uncle, Tracy Eubanks, and his wife, Lainie, will now care for the child.

“It’s really helpful to see my brother through him,” Tracy Eubanks said.

The family now calls him “Richie,” the same nickname used for his father. They say he is adjusting well — sleeping, eating, and playing like a typical toddler. He recently celebrated his third birthday.

There were no working smoke detectors inside the home at the time of the fire. The Oklahoma City Fire Department continues to investigate to determine the cause.