CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) -- A 10-year-old girl who escaped through a second-floor bedroom window was the only survivor Tuesday of a house fire that killed her parents and 11-year-old brother.
Corpus Christi firefighters identified the victims as neonatal Dr. Peter Serrao, 46; his wife, Heidi, 45, and his son, Oliver.
Heidi Serrao was found on the ground near the window from which she and her daughter tried to escape. She died of massive head injuries at a local hospital.
Alexis Serrao was in good condition at Driscoll Children's Hospital, authorities said.
``Flames shot out from every window,'' fire Capt. Robert Polanco said in a report in Wednesday's Corpus Christi Caller-Times. v Fire Capt. Mike Tressider said the family probably was awakened by the smell of smoke.
``But the fire was overwhelming them and they couldn't go downstairs and opted to exit windows,'' Tressider said.
``When crews first arrived, firefighters said the fire looked like it started at the center of the home,'' Tressider said. ``But it could have started in any number of places. We really haven't been involved yet in the full swing of the investigation because of debris removal. Until we get to that point, it's purely supposition and I don't want to lead anyone astray at this point.''
The doctor's body was found near the upstairs master bedroom window. Oliver's body was found in his bedroom near the door.
