HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A 17-year-old is dead after a mobile home caught on fire on Sunday in northwest Harris County near Willowbrook Mall.
First responders were called to the house in the 12400 block of Cutten Road. Six family members were inside the house when the fire broke out around 3:15 a.m.
2 men dead, another critically hurt after mobile home fire in NW Harris County
17-year-old Fran Moncada died after the fire. He was a Cypress Creek High School student who moved to Harris County six months ago.
Gerardo Ramos said Moncada’s father was in town visiting his son.
“The little guy was sleeping with his father and his father got out of the room to see what happened and as soon as he got out, the room started burning,” Ramos said.
Both Moncada’s father and cousin, Gerson Aguilar, rushed towards the flames.
“I can only remember him begging me ‘take me out, take me out, I’m burning,’” Aguilar said.
He said, sadly, they could not save him.
“When his father saw the room was on fire, he tried to come back. It was too late, because the room was completely on fire,” Ramos said.
Ramos said Moncada’s father has burns on 50 percent of his body.
“He’s stable, but he’s very hurt. More what he’s feeling because he’s thinking about his son,” Ramos said.
Firefighters said the fire was possibly caused by a lightning strike. According to the family, a tree near the house was struck, then the fire moved to the house.
A firefighter was also taken to the hospital due to heat exhaustion, but all of those who were injured were expected to be OK.
This was a large fire, and the home next to it was damaged as well. The fire has since been contained.
Harris County firefighters assisted the Champions Emergency Services District for Harris County.
To donate to a GoFundMe to help the family, go here.
Cutten Rd pt 2: 1 firefighter was also transported to the hospital for medical reasons. The origin and cause investigation is underway.
— @hcfmo (@hcfmo) June 4, 2023