Fire tore through an apartment complex in Hemet Friday morning, leaving three family members dead, police said.
The fire was reported about 1:15 a.m. near Alessandro Street, near Latham Avenue. Three members of a family of seven were killed.
They were identified as a 41-year-old man and two girls, ages 12 and 4. An 8-year-old boy is in grave condition.
“Our hearts go out to the family,” said Lt. Nate Miller. “It’s my understanding that the 41-year-old male went back inside to rescue other family members. He wasn’t seen alive after that.
“It’s a terrible situation. As a father myself, I think a lot of us would think about going back in.”
Video from the scene showed thick smoke around the complex as Hemet police officers went door-to-door to alert residents to get out of the building.
The cause was under investigation.
Source: NBC Los Angeles