HOUSTON – The identity of the woman whose body was found during an investigation into a fire at a condominium in southeast Houston has been released.
Shirley Sara Cherian, 30, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The fire was reported at 3:20 a.m. Tuesday at the Briarwick Condominiums at Holly Hall and El Mundo.
Houston fire Chief Robert Kamman said the fire started in the center of the building. At least 20 units had heavy fire, smoke and water damage.
A viewer sent KPRC 2 video of flames tearing through the condos.
Some residents of this southeast Houston condo had to jump from their second-story balcony to escape the fire. STORY-->http://bit.ly/2gsvTyC
Posted by KPRC2 / Click2Houston on Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Houston homicide detectives said Cherian's body was found in the closet of her condo on the third floor of the building late Tuesday morning. Firefighters said a search could not be conducted due to heat from the fire and questions about the integrity of the structure.
According to the Houston Fire Department, one woman suffered smoke inhalation and was taken to the hospital. Fire officials said that another resident was injured after he jumped from his second-story apartment. He suffered scrapes and bruises.
Another woman tried to escape the flames by climbing onto her balcony and onto the roof where firefighters rescued her.
The Red Cross has been called to offer assistance.
The cause of the fire has not been determined.
Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600.
Woman says her apartment was on fire, forced to climb balcony, firefighters rescued her off roof when they got here. pic.twitter.com/XEcz40Bisn
— Haley Hernandez (@KPRC2Haley) November 29, 2016
Looks like the hot spots have simmered down. Arson investigators starting to move in... pic.twitter.com/FJJ6WZZjBG
— Haley Hernandez (@KPRC2Haley) November 29, 2016
Crews starting to clear out of apartment complex where fire destroyed 20 homes this morning. pic.twitter.com/u86CJri7Ji
— Haley Hernandez (@KPRC2Haley) November 29, 2016