MIMS, Fla. – A residential fire Saturday morning in Mims killed two people believed to be family members, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
The fire — which occurred on Kingswood Drive — took the lives of a 40-year-old woman and a 12-year-old boy, the sheriff’s office said.
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Brian Bates, who lives in the neighborhood, said he saw smoke fill the air early Saturday.
“I ran down here as fast as I could in my flip-flops,” Bates said.
He said he wanted to help, but he realized it was too late. Bates said he watched as flames ripped through the home.
“Very sad. I’m hurting inside,” Bates said.
Richard Arbuckle said he is related to the victims.
“I can’t believe they’re gone,” Arbuckle said.
He said the woman was his niece and the boy was his great nephew.
“Now to see this happen is totally unbelievable. I’m keeping my composure now, but I’ve done my crying and I’ll do more,” Arbuckle said.
He told News 6 the two were survived by a man named John, the woman’s husband and the boy’s father.
“I feel so bad for John. He (has) now lost everything in his life,” he said.
Brevard County officials are currently working with the State Fire Marshal’s Office to determine what caused the fire, deputies said.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office said, at this time, foul play is not suspected.