Authorities are investigating a deadly fire that broke out early Tuesday morning at a group home in Mission Bend, leaving one man dead and two others injured. Fire officials have confirmed that the blaze was not caused by a heating-related issue.
According to the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office, the fire started at the back of the house around 1:30 a.m. Investigators are still working to determine the exact cause.
A Devastating Scene
Neighbor Teresa Miranda, who lives across the street, said she and her boyfriend were awakened by the flames and screaming. They rushed over to the home and saw a 17-year-old girl standing outside in a panic, screaming for help.
“It was one male, two females,” Miranda said, referring to the individuals outside the home. “They were outside screaming and crying for the person still inside.”
Miranda said she immediately called 911, while the teens tried to reach their parents and caseworkers. “They were basically children. And, it hurt so much to see that happen to them” she said.
Firefighters arrived shortly after, and pulled two people from inside the home. Officials said one person suffered minor burns on their hands, while another had smoke inhalation. Sadly, a 22-year-old man, according to neighbors, did not make it out.
Group Home Under Investigation
Records show that the house was registered as a group home under Texas' Home and Community Support Program.
Neighbors say the property had recently changed ownership. The home’s previous longtime resident passed away earlier this month, and his son reportedly sold the property to investors who turned it into a group home.
One couple who assisted the teens said they helped one of them contact her parents and the group home agency representative.
“The came inside. She called her mom and she called the agency lady for the group home”.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity, but neighbors believe he was a young adult in his early twenties. The Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office is working to confirm those details.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
