Mom runs into burning home to rescue her toddler; both die
PHILADELPHIA - Officials say a mother ran into her burning Philadelphia row house to rescue her toddler but died along with the child when smoke prevented their escape.
The fire broke out around 4 a.m. Friday.
Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer says the woman initially escaped the blaze with other relatives, but realized her toddler was missing, reports CBS Station KYW. He says she ran inside to save the child.
The woman was found holding the child near a second-floor bedroom doorway. He says heavy smoke and flames prevented them from getting out.
"It's not a pretty sight, to see her holding her child in her arms," Sawyer said.
Their names have not been released.
Two adults and four children were taken to a hospital. There is no word on their conditions.
Sawyer says there were five space heaters being used inside the home, and he suspects that's what sparked the fatal blaze, KYW reports. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
This was the first fatal fire in Philadelphia of 2016.