3 Dead, 1 Injured In Wynnefield House Fire
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Three people were killed and another was injured after fire ripped through a row home in West Philadelphia.
Flames broke out around 5 a.m. Sunday on the first floor of the home in the 5400 block of Diamond Street in the Wynnefield section of the city.
Fire officials say four members of a family were inside the house. Neighbors jumped into action to help rescue them, but the smoke was too thick.
"I'm saying 'come out the window,'" said neighbor Karen Tunstall. "One of the guys had kicked the door in, but when we tried to get low and go in, the smoke was so powerful it pushed us back out."
Officials say a 70-year-old woman died at the scene. Her 84-year-old husband died at the hospital. The couple's 30-year-old grandson, who neighbors say was visiting from Ohio, also died at the hospital. Their 19-year-old adopted son made it out alive. He was taken to the hospital in stable condition.
Authorities say there were no smoke detectors in the home. The Red Cross says it will be canvassing the neighborhood to provide support to residents.
"To make sure everyone has smoke alarms and escape plans," said CEO Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes. "It is so critical, that two-minute warning, to allow you to get out of the house."
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Officials say it does not appear suspicious.
