Elderly Grandparents Critically Injured In Kensington Fire
By Anita Oh
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- An elderly couple were critically injured in a fire Friday morning that killed several animals.
Two elderly grandparents are in critical condition at Temple University Hospital, and one young boy is now recovering at St. Christopher's Hospital, after a one-alarm fire on the 3300 block of E Street in Kensington around 11:20 a.m. Friday.
Rashuan Pinder says he did not hear smoke alarms when he ran in to rescue 4-year-old Alejandro Luis.
Pinder says he saw smoke billowing from the home and ran in to rescue the child, who reportedly had a phone in his hand ready to dial 911.
"I put my shirt over my face and ran in there to go grab him out of the kitchen," Pinder said. "He had black stuff on his face and was shaking and gasping for air. He almost fell right down the steps. I think he was trying to get water to put out the fire."
Neighbors watched in horror as paramedics rushed the two elderly grandparents to the hospital.
"They are the nicest people in the world," said neighbor Yari Vargas, who describes the elderly neighbors as family.
"Just to see them wheeled out like that it was heartbreaking," said neighbor Brenda Steger.
Family and friends say Alejita Roman and Jovino Franco live here with four grandchildren and that the youngest, 4-year-old Alejandro, was also inside when the fire began.
Meantime, Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel praised the quick work of the 60 firefighters and medics on-scene.
"Our members always do our best. sometimes it's beyond us but we are hopeful," said Thiel.
A dog and six turtles died in the fire, according to the Red Paw Relief Team.
Officials say the fire sparked on the second floor, but it's still too early to determine a cause. None of the surrounding units have fire damage.