MABANK, Texas — A Kaufman County woman died on Monday after saving an infant child from a house fire and returning inside in an attempt to save her disabled mother.
MABANK, Texas — A Kaufman County woman died on Monday after saving an infant child from a house fire and returning inside in an attempt to save her disabled mother.
Despite her efforts, Kaufman County officials say both women tragically perished in the fire.
At 3:25 p.m., on Monday, September 23, 2019, the woman, identified as 41-year-old Tina Mercer, called 911 and reported a house fire at the residence in the 15000 block of Kaufman County Road 4015 in the Prairieville community of eastern Kaufman County — east of Kemp and north of Mabank.
"Mercer reported the house was on fire and people were inside, including an infant and her mother who was disabled," stated Kaufman County Fire Marshal Randy Richards.
"Mercer was able to safely get the infant child out of the house and told the dispatcher she was returning into the house to help her mother Linda Scott, 65," Richards continued. "Mercer and Scott were unable to get out of the house before being overcome by the heavy smoke, both were found deceased inside the home."
The infant child was uninjured and found safe.
The State Fire Marshal is working in conjunction with the Kaufman County Fire Marshal's Office to determine the cause of the fire, which is under investigation, according to Richards.
The Mabank Fire Department, Kemp Fire Department, Gun Barrel Fire Department, Kaufman County Fire Marshal's Office, Kaufman County Sheriff's Office, Mabank Police Department, Mabank ISD Police Department, CareFlite, and the Precinct 4 Constable's Office responded to the fire.
