Jul 8, 2009 11:43 pm US/Eastern
1 Dead, 1 Critical After Camden Co. House Fire
LAUREL SPRINGS, N.J. (CBS 3) ―
-
-
One person was killed and another was critically injured in a house fire in Laurel Springs the morning of July 8.
CBS
One person is dead and another critically injured after flames erupted in a Camden County home early Wednesday morning.
Chopper 3 was over the 900 block of Lakeview Avenue in Laurel Springs where flames were reported in the basement of a residence at about 6:15 a.m.
Officials said a family of five and two others were inside the home at the time of the blaze.
Neighbors said a wheelchair-bound man, who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, was desperately trying to save his son and his son's girlfriend, who were trapped in the basement as heavy smoke filled the home.
The older son, identified as 19-year-old Thomas Doherty, died from injuries sustained in the fire and his girlfriend was critically injured. She was rushed to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
The remaining residents were able to escape the home without injury.
Area residents said the family is originally from Ireland and they intended to move back after their youngest daughter finished college.
Thomas Doherty was a 2008 graduate of Paul VI High School in Haddonfield.
"He was a terrific child to his parents, with his dad with MS, he did everything for his family, he treated them with unbelievable care," family friend Marty Brennan said.
One firefighter at the scene had to be rescued after becoming disoriented. He is expected to recover after suffering smoke inhalation.
Investigators said the fire does not appear to be suspicious at this time. The tragic incident remains under investigation.
Family Donation Information
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
