News 8
Three die in Dallas house fire 
05:03 PM CST on Thursday, November 12, 2009
DALLAS — Tearful neighbors watched in horror as a raging fire destroyed the home on Windy Crest Drive early this morning.
"When we first got here, the flames were so intense that it was impossible to even approach the front door," said Jason Evans with Dallas Fire Rescue.
The Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office identified the victims as Michael Levine, 47; Romina Levine, 35; and Ariel Levine, 4.
No one knows exactly what happened, but it appears the parents Michael and Romina Levine went upstairs to save their young son Ariel, and they couldn't get back down the stairs and out the door. Firefighters found the three on the second floor.
"I think it is any mothers instict or father's instinct to go after your child, you would not leave your child in a burning home, no matter what," said neighbor Elizabeth Selzer.
Those who knew the family said they were friendly and loving and that their little boy was a popular child in the neighborhood.
Neighbors says it's a loss that is hard to comprehend, particulary knowing Ariel was just days shy of celebrating his 5th birthday.
The victims were taken to area hospitals, where they were later pronounced dead.
"I was hoping it wasn't actually the people who it was," said neighbor Samantha Hargrave. "I have a child the same age as the little boy that lived in the house."
The family's pets were also killed in the fire.
Investigators were planning to return to the scene on Thursday afternoon to try and determine the cause.
E-mail dmiles@wfaa.com
