MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) A mother and child died in a house fire here despite the efforts of neighbors.
A spokeswoman for the Memphis Fire Department said the identity of the victims of Sunday's fire hadn't been released on Monday, but neighbors said they were Kizzie Cunningham and her 3-year-old son.
``A lot of folks jumped out of their cars, but they couldn't do no good,'' said Edna Clark, 64, who lives across the street. ``They tried to save my neighbor and her baby.''
Clark's grandsons tried to enter the burning home, but smoke, flames and bars on the windows prevented them from making a rescue attempt.
``She was right there, but I couldn't do nothing for her,'' Marlon Sims said. ``The dude next to me said he had the child in his hands, but (the child) got away.''
Sims said the home belonged to Ulysses Cunningham III and Kizzie Cunningham, but that the father was not at home. County records didn't list the Cunninghams as owning the 1923 home valued at $19,800.
``I guess everything happens for a reason,'' Sims said. ``I can't be upset because I know they've gone to a better place now.''
