Fire that killed Delco grandmother, hurt 4 others, under investigation

The investigation continues into a blaze that claimed the life of a 62-year-old grandmother in Lower Chichester on Saturday and left her son-in-law and three grandchildren hospitalized.

Ryan Fuller, chief of the Lower Chichester Volunteer Fire Department in Linwood, said the investigation had been turned over to the state police fire marshal in Media. The communications officer could not be reached for comment Sunday.

The Delaware County Medical Examiner's Office has not issued a cause of death.

Fuller said he could not release the names of the woman who died or those who were injured.

But family members told 6ABC news Doris Morgan, 62, perished in the fire that broke out around 7:15 a.m. Saturday in the home she shared with a daughter and her family in the 100 block of Fronefield Avenue.

Daughter Shahara Martin ran from the two-story brick rowhouse, screaming for help.

The family said that with the aid of a neighbor, Ahmad Martin, Morgan's son-in-law, rescued the couple's five children, ages 1, 3, 5, 6, and 8, from a basement bedroom. But Martin was unable to save his mother-in-law, whom relatives said had multiple sclerosis.

Fuller said that by the time firefighters arrived, everyone was out of the house except for the grandmother.

"When we arrived, the entire house was in flames," he said Sunday.

The fire, s battled with assistance from several fire companies, was under control in 30 minutes.

Fuller said two adults and five children were taken to Crozer-Chester Medical Center.

Martin suffered severe burns and remains in the burn unit. A hospital spokeswoman said he was in critical but stable condition.

Spokeswoman Katrina Stier said the three children who remained hospitalized were doing well and were expected to go home in a day or two. She could not provide their ages.

Red Cross spokesman Anthony Tornetta said his agency was assisting family members, who are staying in a hotel.

Meanwhile, neighbors and concerned residents have flooded Lower Chichester's fire station with donations of food, toys, and supplies for the displaced family.

"The response has been phenomenal," Fuller said. One engine bay of the station is filled with donated items, and goods are accumulating in a hallway.

A posting on the Facebook page of the Lower Chichester Volunteer Fire Department said the family had lost everything.

Donations are being accepted at the fire station, 1540 Huddell Ave., Linwood, Pa. 19061.