Mother, Boy Die at Hospital After OC Condo Fire

A 2-year-old child remains in "grave" condition after suffering injuries in the fire that was likely started by a child playing with a lighter

A 20-year-old mother injured in an Orange county condominium fire that was likely started by a child playing with a lighter has died at a hospital.

The coroner confirmed Thursday that 20-year-old Maricela Sanchez died from injuries in the residential fire. This comes after her 3-year-old boy, identified by the coroner as Jaiden Liborio, died from his injuries Tuesday night in the hospital.

The boy's 2-year-old brother remained hospitalized in "grave" condition a day after the Tuesday morning fire in San Juan Capistrano.

Firefighters responded to the residences in the 26500 block of La Zanja Street, just west of Camino Capistrano and east of El Camino Real Park, after receiving reports of thick smoke and people trapped inside buildings. Witnesses said several people jumped from windows to escape the fire.

"Hearing all the screams of kids and everything just feels like something I can see in my mind still, something I wish never happened," neighbor Omar Garcia said.

Six other victims, all members of the same family, suffered "minor injuries," according to the Orange County Fire Authority. Eight adults and nine children were living in the second-story apartment, according to fire investigators.

At least 19 people could not return to their homes because of damage to eight condos. The residence had smoke alarms, but the devices did not have batteries, according to investigators.

Firefighters also rescued a dog found hiding in a drawer.

The fire was likely caused by a child playing with a lighter in a residence's living room, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.

Anyone who wishes to donate to a memoral fund for the victims can visit www.ucirvinehealth.org/sanchez.

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