Rockford, Illinois (AP) |
CHICAGO -- A teenage girl has died and 2 young boys are hospitalized after a house fire started by an unattended candle.
Fire officials say 18-year old Jamaya Herron and her cousins Joequavian, 11, and Javarus Blankenship were trapped by the flames.
Rescuers were able to get the 2 boys out through the window.
They were flown to a hospital in Madison with severe smoke inhalation.
But fire crews could not lift Jamaya, who weighs 500 pounds.
Rescuers were finally able to get her out through a door.
By then, it was too late.
"They gave a 110%, did their best and sometimes we're not able to save everyone but we were able to get two individuals out of that structure alive," says Fire Chief Derek Bergsten.
Firefighters said the fire started after someone left a candle burning overnight on a wooden table.
Early reports show the home didn't have any utilities, no gas, electric or water was connected.
City records also showed no one was listed as living at the home.
Neighbors on the scene said the family only recently moved back into the home from a hotel.
Fire officials say 18-year old Jamaya Herron and her cousins Joequavian, 11, and Javarus Blankenship were trapped by the flames.
Rescuers were able to get the 2 boys out through the window.
They were flown to a hospital in Madison with severe smoke inhalation.
But fire crews could not lift Jamaya, who weighs 500 pounds.
Rescuers were finally able to get her out through a door.
By then, it was too late.
"They gave a 110%, did their best and sometimes we're not able to save everyone but we were able to get two individuals out of that structure alive," says Fire Chief Derek Bergsten.
Firefighters said the fire started after someone left a candle burning overnight on a wooden table.
Early reports show the home didn't have any utilities, no gas, electric or water was connected.
City records also showed no one was listed as living at the home.
Neighbors on the scene said the family only recently moved back into the home from a hotel.
