Father, 6-Year-Old Son Die In Queens Fire, Boy's Twin Brother Survives
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- There was a heartbreaking story out of Queens on Monday.
Police say a 6-year-old boy and his 65-year-old father both died in a fire that ravaged their home. The boy's twin brother and mother survived.
As CBS2's John Dias reported, the Flushing house fire destroyed more than just a home, but a family.
"It's sad, because these are my neighbors, I care about them," one person said.
"Something so close to home, always so painful," added neighbor Michele Fitzsimmons.
Police say just after 1 a.m. a fast-moving fire ripped through 45-54 157th St., killing the father, who was identified at Stephen Blumling, and son, Shawn Blumling. Police say the boy's twin suffered severe burns. Neighbors found him outside and quickly called 911.
"His hair had fire and skin also peeling," said neighbor Radhika Ramacha.
The boys' mother was also able to escape and was in complete anguish.
"I can't sit down, I just keep pacing and crying," said neighbor Virginia Walsh.
Walsh lives next door and watched the boys grow up.
"It's heart-wrenching. It really is," Walsh said. "Very active. Would try and help you shovel your snow, always trying to help."
The family lived on the first floor of the multi-family home. Video shows flames shooting out of it. The fire was seen from blocks away.
"I saw the smoke and the sparks going up in the sky," one person said.
More than eight hours after, a tree in the back yard, now charred, was still smoking. The family that lives on the top floor exchanged hugs while salvaging what they could. They were thankful, but emotional, that they were able to escape unharmed.
"Suddenly, I come down, too much smoke and I cannot see the way and then I see message of light and I come out," one person said.
There was no immediate word on what caused the fire.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries and were being treated at the hospital.
