Playing with matches led to tragic fire

COLLEGEVILLE - January 14, 2008 (WPVI) -- A 6-year-old playing with matches ultimately led to his death and the death of his sister, said the Montgomery County D.A.'s office.

The fire started in the home located in the 400 block of Park Avenue in Collegeville on Sunday.

A partially melted wagon is among the toys strewn across the yard. Melted siding covers the home. Officials say it was fast moving fire that trapped 2-year-old Mikayla Beto and 6-year-old Anthony Claxton. The two children died in the blaze.

Police say Kristy Beto was upstairs when the fire started. She frantically tried to save her children. She was able to get her 4-year-old son to the rear of the house where a neighbor whisked him to safety. Her other children could not be saved.

Beto was transported to Temple University Hospital with burns to 20 percent of her body. The 4-year-old child was transported to St. Christopher's Hospital in an unknown condition.

Officials are continuing their investigation.

Get more Local/State »

local/state

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•