Three Year Old Dies After Running Into Georgia Burning Building

COLUMBUS (AP) -- A three-year-old boy died Monday night when he ran back into a fire- and smoke-filled apartment, Columbus fire officials said.

Vantavis Chestain Powell died from smoke and soot inhalation in the 9:30 p.m. fire that authorities say was started by a blanket thrown over an electric space heater.

The toddler was staying with his aunt, Audrey Kennedy, 23, and her three children, said Jeff Meyer, assistant chief of the Columbus Fire and Emergency Medical Services.

Kennedy told firefighters that Vantavis ran back inside the apartment after she had led the children toward the front door.

Fire officials say the fire did about $45,000 worth of damage to the apartment complex, and about $15,000 in damage to the contents.

Information from: Columbus Ledger-Enquirer