'Heartbreaking tragedy,' Young girl found dead in fire that destroyed Lynn home

LYNN - A young girl died in a fire that destroyed a home in Lynn early Tuesday morning.

Flames broke out inside the house on Circuit Avenue around 4 a.m. It took about 45 minutes before firefighters brought it under control. Hours later, investigators said one person inside was still unaccounted for.

They initially didn't release any information about that person, but police said Tuesday afternoon a "young female child" was found dead inside. Her name and age have not been released yet.

"Our hearts go out to this child's loved ones," said Lynn Fire Chief Stephen Archer. "On behalf of the Lynn Fire Department and the City of Lynn, I want to express our deepest condolences to the family. This is a terrible loss for them and the community."

Everyone else in the house escaped safely.

There's no word yet on how or where the fire started. 

"This is a heartbreaking tragedy for the family affected and for our community," Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson said in a statement. "We extend our deepest condolences to the family as they deal with this unthinkable loss, and we wish all those affected a speedy and full recovery."

Ernes Santos woke up smelling smoke and had to jump out a window to escape. That's when he looked back and saw the little girl behind him. 

"I broke this window for coming out. When I was coming out and everything, the little baby was scared. She ran, because she was scared," he said. "I can see nothing because of the smoke and everything. So I went back and tried to get the little baby."

Another neighbor named Hector said when he called 911, the fire was mainly on the porch. But the flames quickly spread and he soon could hear residents yelling for help in Spanish. 

Santos said he could hear the girl crying and felt helpless there was nothing he could do.

"I only was listening for her to cry, and then when she no cry anymore. It's like I can't do anything because I'm feeling like I'm going to die and then that's why I thought maybe she ran over there, to one of the other kids. But no," Santos said.