18-Month-Old Child Killed, 4 Deputies Injured In House Fire In Moreno Valley
MORENO VALLEY (CBSLA) — Authorities say an 18-month-old child was killed in a house fire in Moreno Valley that sent three other people, including a pregnant woman, to the hospital in critical condition.
Four Sheriff's deputies were also injured after running into the burning home. The smoke and heat was so thick, deputies couldn't return inside to save the baby.
The fire was reported in the 24300 block of Dolan Drive just before 1:30 a.m. Saturday.
It was there that deputies arrived to find a home engulfed in flames.
"It's just devastating, you know. I mean, I've only seen them around for about a year now, but knowing that he just has his kid and they're gone already," Andre Hernandez, a neighbor, said.
Neighbors said the owner of the home is an elderly woman who lives with her grandson, his girlfriend and his 18-month-old child who passed away in the fire.
"He seemed like a really sweet child, honestly," Hernandez said, "and he seemed like a good dad to him.
"Without regard to their personal safety, deputies entered the home and rescued two victims," authorities said in a press release. "Unfortunately, the smoke and heat prevented deputies from reentering the residence for the child."
Authorities said that "multiple deputies and victims sustained injuries." They were transported to the hospital for treatment.
"I cannot even imagine what the deputies, victims, and everyone at this incident went through," said Dr. Yxstian Gutierrez, Mayor of Moreno Valley. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family for the loss of their child, and for our responders to be at peace after experiencing such a traumatic event. On behalf of the City, I thank our first responders for their heroic acts."