One child was killed and three others critically injured after a fire swept through a home in Fort Worth, Texas, early Thursday morning, authorities said.
As fire crews were en route, a bystander—identified by local media outlets as Leon Segura—saw smoke billowing from the burning home and forced his way inside by breaking through a glass door.
Officials said Segura pulled two school-aged girls out of the house and brought them to the street. Firefighters arrived less than four minutes after being dispatched to the scene and immediately began providing life-saving aid to the children.
Firefighters also rescued two other children from inside the home. One was listed in critical condition and transported by ambulance to an area hospital. The other was pronounced dead at the scene. A fifth child was found unharmed, and two adults received treatment on-site, officials said.
The two girls carried out of the residence by Segura were airlifted to local burn centers in critical condition. The fire department said Segura suffered multiple lacerations and burns during the rescue.
“Because of this man’s heroic actions and his willingness to run into danger without concern for his own safety, he gave two girls a chance at survival,” officials said. “To say that his efforts were extraordinary would be an understatement.”
“I had the windows down and heard some screaming, so I really quick just jumped out the truck,” he told the outlet. “I kicked down the front door, and it was really hot … The flames were really super hot.”
The blaze caused significant damage to the home. Fire officials said the American Red Cross did respond to the scene to assist the family with emergency disaster support.
Arson investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire. It is unclear whether the residence had functioning smoke alarms. However, the fire department did urge residents to check their smoke detectors to ensure they’re operational.
“Our hearts hurt for these children and we are holding them in our prayers as they fight for their lives,” officials said. “We stand in prayer for their recovery and thank the residents of the City of Fort Worth for their continued prayers for these children.”
