JENNINGS, Mo. — Soot and broken glass outline the front window of a Jennings home Sunday afternoon, the result of a massive blaze that took teams of firefighters and took two lives.
"It's devastating. We saw them pull the bodies out of there," neighbor Kimberly Ingram said.
First responders from the Riverview Fire Department, along with units from Ferguson and St. Louis were called to the scene in the 8700 block of Clifton about 2:30 p.m.
On arrival, firefighters found a woman lying in the front yard after jumping from a second-story window. She told first responders there were two more people still inside.
"Crews immediately went into rescue mode," Chief Keith Goldstein said. "They had fire coming out of the front door. One crew went through the front, and the second crew went around to the back."
First responders found a man on the living room floor. In a second-story bedroom, they found a woman who they believe had mobility issues.
"They did find a couple of walkers and wheelchairs," Goldstein said.
The victims were later identified as 86-year-old Annie Simms and 39-year-old Michael Simms.
Investigators said Monday the fire was started by a cigarette and the St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson Squad said the fire was accidental.
Ingram says the fire is "a devastation to the whole neighborhood," as the female victim was well-known to neighbors who affectionately called her "Granny."
"I'm just shaking. All I can say is I pray for their family," Ingram said.
Ingram believes all of the people inside the home were related. A fourth person -- a man -- escaped the fire unharmed.
Police are working to determine the cause of the fire.
This is a developing story. Book mark this link to check back for updates as new information becomes available.
