Couple Found Near Front Door Died Trying to Escape Burning Home That Was Locked from Inside: Officials

A Texas couple died after their mobile home caught fire early Thursday morning, authorities say.

TheMagnolia Fire Department(MFD) said they arrived to be find two people “trapped” inside the home.

Family members have identified the victims as Sondra McKinsey Grant and Ervin Grant, who were in their 60s, per KHOU.

The couple called for help Sunday morning after the fire broke out in the back of their home, Hevey told the outlet.

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Hevey said he is"not a fan"of any sort of lock that requires a key from the inside, according to KHOU. He is now warning about the safety concerns that can come with these kinds of locks in situations like this.

“You should be able to use your thumb, turn and get out of the house fast, because you never know where your keys are,” the fire chief told the outlet.

An investigation into Thursday’s fire is ongoing, according to the MFD’s press release.

Having functional smoke detectors can be a life-saver, Hevey said, per KHOU.

“If you awake and you’re already choking on the smoke and the smoke is what woke you up, you’re time is greatly reduced to get out of the house,” the fire chief said.

source: people.com