Mother, 5-Year-Old Daughter Critically Injured In NE Philadelphia House Fire
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A mother and her 5-year-old daughter were critically injured when a fire tore through their Northeast Philadelphia home Thursday night.
The fire broke out around 5:30 p.m. Thursday on the 3700 block of Hereford Lane.
According to Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel, when crews responded to the scene they found heavy fire and smoke.
It was a mother's worst nightmare. Her child trapped in a bedroom as the house filled with smoke. After an aggressive interior attack rescue crews were able to remove a 5-year-old girl from a back bedroom.
Officials say an off-duty officer who lives nearby attempted to make a rescue, but was unable to get through the rapid flames. He is listed in stable condition.
The mother has been identified by family members as Kristina Henes. She was transported to Temple University Hospital.
Family members also identified her 5-year-old daughter Sophia Olsen. Sophia was transported to St. Christopher's Hospital.
Both are listed in critical condition.
Philadelphia fire commissioner Adam Thiel says it's unclear if the home had working smoke alarms.
"This incident is really a great reminder for all of us, to make sure we have working smoke detectors in all levels of our homes. If you don't have one, you can call 3-1-1 & ask for a smoke alarm, and we will be there the next day to install that smoke alarm."
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
The fire was placed under control at 5:49 p.m. on Thursday.
Mike Dougherty contributed to this report.
