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Neighbor Rescue Baby From Burning Home

Last updated on Wednesday, October 3, 2012

(INDIANAPOLIS) - A neighbor rushed into a burning home and saved a baby on Indianapolis’ north side Tuesday.

Jenna Kooi, of RTV6 reports, firefighters were called to a home at 3949 Boulevard Place just before 12:30 p.m. on a report of heavy smoke and flames.

Rashiea Alsul, 32, was home with her two sons, 4 and 1 years old, when she said she believes the older boy was playing with a lighter and started the blaze in a bedroom.

Alsul was able to escape the home with the 4-year-old, but said she wasn't able to grab the younger boy.

That's when Ladonna Thomas sprang into action.

Thomas says she ran outside and heard Alsul screaming and trying to get back inside the house. Thomas, who lost a child, knows a mother's pain.

Thomas said she first tried to rescue the boy at the side of the house, but when that didn't work, she ran around to the front of the house and got the boy's attention.

Thomas says she could hear the child screaming 'Mommy, please help me,' She told the child to follow the light to the front door.

Thomas said she kept talking to the child as she got almost to the front room and that is when the child grabbed her around the neck and she picked him up and ran for the front door.

Alsul and the 1-year-old were taken to Wishard Memorial Hospital in good condition to be checked out for smoke inhalation.

Thomas said the only gratification she needed was when the child grabbed her around the neck and hugged her tigh.

The family's dog, Lucky, was found on the front porch of the home and was given oxygen at the scene.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control in 15 minutes. The home is believed to be a total loss.

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