Firefighters, Deputies Rush To Save Family From Fire
SPRINGTOWN (CBSDFW.COM) - A family was saved from their burning home in Parker County Thursday morning after two siblings ran to get help.
Deputies said when they arrived just after 3 a.m. there were flames shooting through the roof. The electrical fire started in the kitchen and burned the house to the ground.
Most everyone in the home was passed out or too weak to walk because of all the smoke they were breathing in. But despite the dangerous, smoky situation, neighbors rushed to help.
The Parker County Sheriff's Department said one neighbor in particular, Eric Judd bought them some time. He grabbed two children still inside from a window and passed them to deputies who arrived to help. Judd even re-entered the burning home, using his iPad as a flashlight to go back in the home and look for mother of six, Sara Leonard.
Authorities said Sara was trying desperately to escape with her newborn, clawing at the wall since she was too weak to do anything else.
"She had her 10-year-old like on her belly, in her lap passed out holding her," described Judd. He said he found 4-year-old Jack and 2-year-old Eiley Rose when he saw their little feet under the bed.
Judd lives next door to Leonards and said his son plays with the children he helped to save.
"He's a gift from God," said Sara Leonard's mother about Judd. "I just am so glad that he was over here and would wake up and come over here in his underwear and save my daughter and kids."
All eight family members were transported to hospitals including three that were flown to the Parkland Burn Unit. Sara remains in the burn unit but is conscious, according to the family's GoFundMe page. Her 6-week-old son James was intubated and doctors are keeping a close watch on him. His father Jeff is on a ventilator in the intensive care unit as is 4-year-old Jack.
The family said they didn't have insurance and have nothing left.
All eight remained in the hospital Thursday night.