DENVER, N.C. — Two children were killed after a house fire that happened over the weekend in Denver, according to the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies tell Channel 9′s Dave Faherty on Monday that the family was asleep when a fire broke out at a home on Grassy Creek Road. Firefighters got to the home Sunday night just minutes after the 911 call was received, and they went through a window to reach the children inside.
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A four-year-old and a six-year-old were pulled out of the home, but they later died at the hospital, according to deputies.
Authorities said three children were inside the home at the time.
The cause of the fire hasn’t been released yet, but investigators believe the fire was accidental and stemmed from an electrical issue.
The victims were identified as Khloe Rumfelt, 4, and Kaleigh Rumfelt, 6.
One witness told Faherty she was helping a friend with a food delivery when she spotted the fire. She pulled over and made the call to 911, but when she went to try and help the family, the smoke and flames were too much.
“The lady just kept saying, ‘My babies, my babies, you gotta get my babies,’” said Lucy Cochcroft.
Cochcroft said there was no way into the house, saying the flames were moving rapidly.
Witnesses say the girls were staying with their great-grandparents. One witness said their great-grandfather grabbed a water hose and tried to put the fire out.
“It’s crazy; I’ve known him for 15 years and he’s a great guy,” said Chad Tiffany. “I just pray to God that everything works out for him.”
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