As a result of a fire that ripped through a Downey apartment, a mother and her 12-year-old daughter died, while the child’s grandmother was injured.
According to the Downey Fire Department, the fire started late Tuesday night near Dinsdale Street and Tweedy Lane. A garage and living room were engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived at the scene.
The mother, Vanessa Kaimimoku, and 12-year-old Kayla Kaimimoku-Diaz were upstairs when the fire broke out. The child’s mother, Vanessa, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The thick smoke made it difficult for crews to find them trapped inside.
“Conditions inside of the structure, they reported zero visibility and high heat on the second floor,” said Battalion Chief Jorge Villanueva.
A second woman was found outside the house, believed to be the girl’s grandmother.
Downey fire officials confirmed the child, who had suffered 1st and 2nd-degree burns, did not survive.
It has not been determined what caused the fire, but investigators say people should remain vigilant, especially during the holiday season.
