PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Neighbors and community members came in packs, shutting down a portion of North 22nd Street to support the family of the victims killed in the deadly duplex fire in Fairmount.
Eighteen people were in the two-unit row home at the time of the blaze. Twelve died, including eight children.
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At a candlelight vigil Thursday night outside Bache-Martin Elementary School, Andrea Underwood, the family’s spokesperson, thanked the public for their support.
“Vanessa McDonald lost her daughters: Rosalee McDonald, Virginia Thomas, and Quinsha White. She also lost nine grandchildren in the fire,” said Underwood. “As you can understand, this is a difficult time for us.”
The family held each other through tears and released dozens of pastel-colored balloons, shouting “we love you” and “our angels.” Another memorial is growing in size closer to the scene of the fire, where people were also gathering in prayer.
“We just got to lift that family up in prayer,” said Kim Hamilton, who drove from Germantown to attend the vigil. “The whole city is hurting. I don’t even know these people and literally, I’ve been crying since I heard about it.”
The family arranged a GoFundMe page, where more than $160,000 has already been donated. Local nonprofit Children First is also fundraising for the family, surpassing $30,000 within 24 hours of the devastating fire from people nationwide.
Through the tragedy, the family said they feel the love from the community.
“Our family would like to thank everyone for their kindness, generosity and their prayers during this horrific time,” added Underwood.
