Mother and 8-year-old daughter killed in house fire, father and 9-year-old son injured

PHILADELPHIA (KYW) – A mother and daughter died when their home burned down in Pennsylvania.

Witness Richard Castro said he saw flames shooting out of his neighbor's house in Philadelphia on Saturday morning.

“I ran across the street and started screaming for help,” he said.

Castro said he and another man broke down the front door of the house and began helping the people trapped inside.

“I saw one of the boys fall down, but he was on fire and burning,” he said. “He hit the wall, so I grabbed him and got him out. When I looked back in, I saw a little boy fall. He couldn't get up, so I ran back, grabbed him and saved him.”

According to the fire department, the house on Granite Street caught fire around 7:30 a.m.

Within a few minutes, firefighters arrived and extinguished the flames.

Officials said a 31-year-old woman and an 8-year-old girl were found dead in an upstairs bedroom. Neighbors said the two were mother and daughter.

Authorities said a 32-year-old man and a 9-year-old boy also suffered burns and were taken to hospital in critical condition.

“We are like family here, everyone we help. It's so sad, we don't know how to explain it… everyone is so sad,” said local resident Mary Marcelino.

A Philadelphia police officer also managed to rescue several people as smoke and flames spread to surrounding homes.

The fatal fire occurred just a day after another woman died in a house fire in Kensington.

“It's a tough time on a Saturday morning,” said Deputy Commissioner Derek Bowman. “Yesterday we had another one, a very tough time for our firefighters and the city.”

A total of 60 firefighters were busy extinguishing the flames on Saturday within about 20 minutes.

Officials said a 28-year-old man also suffered minor burns and another man fled the scene.

Castro said he heard cries for help and wished he could have done more.

“I'm just sad for the girl and the mother because they were very nice and respectful people,” he said.

Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.

Neighbors said they plan to hold a candlelight vigil Sunday evening to remember the fire victims and raise funds for the family.

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