Marcia Straub/Getty Images
A Texas mother and her 1-year-old son have passed away following a house fire. According to PEOPLE, the fire broke out on Saturday, February 3.
The outlet reports that the fire was sparked early Saturday morning. Around 7:30 a.m., the Houston Fire Department took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to notify the public about the incident.
At the time, the department informed the public that the fire resulted in two casualties.
Later that morning, Houston Mayor John Whitmire took to Facebook to share more information about the casualties. Whitmire revealed that a mother had rescued two of her children from the fire. However, she passed away while trying to save her infant son.
“
Furthermore, Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña confirmed the mayor’s report with additional sentiments and photos shared via X.
“House fire resulted in tragic death of young mother & infant son as she reentered the home in attempt to rescue her child from the flames Our prayers & condolences to the family…@HoustonFire… crew reported heavy fire conditions on arrival. Cause&Origin investigation is ongoing,” he wrote.
According to ABC 13 Houston, the mother who passed away in the fire has been identified as 31-year-old Giovanna Cabrera. Additionally, her infant son has been identified as 1-year-old Gabriel.
The outlet adds that the siblings saved from the fire are nine and six years old.
“She tried her best to get out,” Cabrera’s sister reportedly told the outlet. “My sister was a hero because she took them out, and nothing happened to them.”
KHOU reports that a neighbor, Savannah Hernandez, heard the eldest siblings crying for help after escaping the fire.
“I heard banging on the door and kids crying for help,” she reportedly explained. “They are little kids, and you just never know what could happen. They were barefooted.”
Chief Samuel Peña has since informed the public of his recommendation when experiencing a house fire.
“This is tragic,” he reportedly said. “And again, the recommendation once you’re outside, stay outside. How do you tell that to a mother whose child is inside the home?”
According to KHOU, authorities believe the fire was sparked “somewhere in a wall.” Then, it quickly engulfed the home.
Since the incident, a GoFundMe campaign has been created in memory of Giovanna and Gabriel. As of Monday, February 5, the campaign has raised over $23,000 out of a $35,000 goal.
The funds will reportedly be used to assist Cabrera’s surviving children and parents.
According to PEOPLE, the siblings are now living with their father.
