1 dead, 2 critically hurt in early morning house fire in Detroit

A deadly house fire on Detroit's west side killed one man, and critically injured his wife and adult son.

Brave neighbors raced to help save the family as they waited for firefighters and police to arrive.

Neighbors say John and Roberta Adams have been the glue that kept the Yellowstone Street community together for almost 50 years.

Just before 9 a.m. Monday, neighbors smelled smoke and jumped into action. Roberta and her son Nathaniel were saved, but John died in the fire.

"The couple reminded me of the roots of a tree, and we just lost some routes," said Eric Smith, a neighbor.

According to family members, John and Roberta, both in their 90s, lived in the home with their son Nathaniel.
"There's just so much history here. That house right there, they used to do talent shows in the 70's and 80's," said Smith.

Neighbors grabbed a ladder and helped the son off the second story balcony as other neighbors frantically broke into the main floor to try to rescue John and Roberta.

The fire started in the back of the house. At the time of this report, investigators are still trying to find out what caused it and are grateful for the help of the neighborhood.

Lt. Jevon Johnson, with the Detroit Police department, says emergency crews responded as fast as they possibly could.

Johnson credited the help of the community, calling it “incredible.”

"We respond as fast as we can,” he said. “But definitely in evolving situations such as fires, they are so dangerous (and) any help you can get from neighbors, or loved ones, are definitely crucial."