A community in Schuylkill County came together Wednesday night to remember the mother and three children who died in a massive fire.
A sea of candles lit the sidewalk of East Coal Street in Shenandoah in front of the row home that is now the scene of a deadly fire.
More than 100 people came out to remember Tiffany Sanchez, her 10-year-old son Christian and her two nephews, Damian Lopez, 10, and 7-month-old Aziah Hernandez who were all killed in an early morning blaze Tuesday.
“It’s just a tragedy. It’s sad to lose any life but I think when it’s a child, it’s worse,” said Joyce Menjivar. “(It) makes you realize how precious life is and it can be lost in seconds.”
The only survivor was Sanchez’s 8-year-old son, Diego, who escaped through a second-floor window.
Many who came out were friends of the boys.
“They were so nice to me and were always there for me and now they can’t be,” said Alexa Menjivar.
Sanchez’s home is now a memorial site as many struggle to come to terms with what happened.
“I just can’t stand to see her like this. I don’t know what to say. It’s a tragic thing for the family,” said William Barnes.
Investigators believe the fire started on the first floor of Sanchez’s home and they are still looking for what caused it. They say it does not appear suspicious.
Fire also forced out families living in the connecting row homes and most of what was in their houses was destroyed.
Now the community is coming together in this time of need
“It makes me feel a little better to see the people and the love they are going to show today,” said Patrick Moyer.
Investigators have ruled the cause of death of the four victims as accidental.