Neighbor saves pregnant woman and toddler after a fire breaks out at northeast duplex

A fire broke out at a duplex in northeast El Paso.

It happened just before 8 p.m. Monday in the 8900 block of Leo Street.

Flames could be seen shooting from the roof of the duplex.

Elizabeth Hanner lives across the street from the duplex. She said she heard loud noises and stepped outside to see the duplex on fire. Hanner ran to the home and banged on the front door until a woman and her toddler son answered. Hanner said smoke was already pouring into the home from the other half of the duplex. The three of them then ran away from the burning home.

Hanner said within minutes the garage door blew out and the fire engulfed a car parked in front of the home.

Hilda Martinez said Hanner saved the life of her 21-year-old daughter Melissa Arias and her grandson.

“I was actually taking a walk and I saw the flames because I live nearby,” said Martinez. “So I just ran here and she was already out (of the home). She said she heard some explosions and a neighbor had run over and was the one who got her out.”

Martinez said her daughter Arias was taken to a hospital for observation.

A fire official said two other adults and six children were also treated on the scene and refused to be taken to a hospital. Investigators believe the fire started in their home and then spread to Arias’ side of the duplex.

Numerous fire crews were on the scene within five minutes.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.