The person reported missing after a fire destroyed a home in Fairfax, Virginia, was killed in that fire, authorities say.
The fire happened in the area of Goodview Court off Prosperity Avenue on Monday evening, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue said.
Firefighters said the flames were so intense that when they arrived, it was too dangerous for them to go inside the house. A car inside could be seen totally destroyed, and ash covered all of the house.
"I looked and it was an inferno," said neighbor Sarah Agnew. "It's a horrific tragedy, is all I can say."
One person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, and is expected to survive. A second person was reported missing Monday night.
News4’s Mauricio Casillas saw firefighters remove a body from the second floor of the home.
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That body was confirmed to be the missing woman.
The two people, trapped inside the home, were an elderly husband and wife.
"She used to stop and pet our dogs," said Agnew. "She was lovely."
Fairfax County Fire is investigating the fire, something the Battalion Chief says is standard policy whenever there's a deadly fire.
At this point, it's not yet clear what caused the fire.
"The worst thing I've ever seen or witnessed," Agnew said. "Honestly. And to be just right over there! It was just unspeakable."
The victims will not be publicly identified until next-of-kin are told about the woman's death.
