Elderly woman, son die after being trapped in Temple Hills house fire

TEMPLE HILLS, Md. - An elderly woman and a man believed to be her son have died after they were trapped inside of a Temple Hills home when fire broke out Wednesday.

Firefighters were called to the 5200 block of Lorraine Drive just before 12:30 p.m. yesterday. Neighbors reported the blaze and said thick smoke at the front door kept them from going inside to help.

Once emergency crews arrived, they located the two and pulled them outside. They were quickly transported to a nearby hospital but both died a short time later.

The woman, thought to be in her 80s, and the man, thought to be in his 60s, are believed to be mother and son.

While the cause of the fire is still unknown, fire Investigators believe it started in the basement and spread to the first floor. Damage to the home is estimated at around $80,000.

Firefighters are going door-to-door Thursday checking smoke alarms in nearby houses. Officials say that if a smoke alarm is not working or if none is present, they will install one for residents free of charge.