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Prospect Ave. fire survivors recall terrifying moments amid inferno

<p>Tenants who escaped Thursday night's fire on Prospect Avenue that killed 12 people say they are now living with memories that will likely haunt them forever.</p>

News 12 Staff

Dec 29, 2017, 11:06 PM

Updated 2,532 days ago

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Tenants who escaped Thursday night's fire on Prospect Avenue that killed 12 people say they are now living with memories that will likely haunt them forever.
The fire broke out Thursday around 7 p.m. inside 2363 Prospect Ave. Fire officials say it was caused by a young boy playing with a stove on the first floor.
Crisbel Martinez is a 10-year-old-turned-hero, having saved her big brothers from the flames.
"I was scared because I thought I was not going to live anymore," she says.
Isaac Yeful found his family safe after spending the whole night searching for his loved ones.
But some weren't as lucky. Christine Batiz lost her infant daughter and mother Maria in the fire.
"I'm numb, I'm in shock, I'm still not accepting it until I see for myself," says Fernando Batiz, a family member. "It's unreal."
While the community is left devastated, the tight-knit bond of the Belmont section has brought out the best in its neighbors.
"These are neighborhood people," says Father John Morris, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. "They're all members of our community, and the mission is to support them long term."
Some bystanders also jumped into action when they saw the building catch fire, helping some to escape.