Child killed in SW Houston apartment fire identified

HOUSTON – A child was killed in an apartment fire Christmas Eve morning in southwest Houston, according to officials.

Houston firefighters responded to the fire Monday morning at an apartment building in the 7000 block of South Gessner Road at Neff Street.

An adolescent male, who family members identified as 10-year-old Angel Molina, was killed in the fire, according to officials.

"It's a very difficult day, very difficult time," Asst. Chief Ruy Lozano, with the Houston Fire Department, said. "With the amount of fire there was, they should have gone defensive. (But) when you have potential to save a life, you go rescue mode."

KPRC2's Robert Arnold spoke with one man who said he helped rescue the family who lost their child by helping them out of a second-floor window.

"I caught three babies. I got one kid first, then pass the other one, then the other one," good Samaritan Walter Arhta said. "The other kid, I can't do anything about that."

Three buildings were destroyed, according to HFD, and there were around 20 families living in each building.

"We just have to leave it in God's hands to take care of us," resident Mary Carrillo said.

Molina's father, Pedro Guerra, was taken to the hospital for treatment of burns on the left side of his body.

One firefighter was taken to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion.

More than 100 firefighters were at the scene. 

Mayor Sylvester Turner identified the injured firefighter as Arthur Guerra, from Fire Station 76.

Turner tweeted, "During this morning’s deadly apartment fire, a Houston firefighter was injured and rushed to the hospital. I just learned firefighter Arthur Guerra from Station 76-B is going to be ok. Please keep all first responders in your thoughts and prayers. Today is a tough day."

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

PHOTOS: Deadly apartment fire in SW Houston

Houston Fire Department authorities are asking people to avoid the area.

The Red Cross has been notified about the situation.

The Houston Professional Firefighters Association brought toys for the children of the displaced families on Christmas Eve.