Family of boy killed in Pleasant Grove apartment fire wants answers about the fire that killed him

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The family of a 7 year old boy who died in a Pleasant Grove apartment fire says they want answers about the fire that claimed his life.

Seven year old Fabian Pena was trapped inside a unit at the Solana Ridge Apartments around 1:45pm Wednesday as fire poured into the first and second floors of the building.

"He was a happy boy, always wanted to come to the family functions and the parties," said Veronia Gavia, Fabian’s cousin.

Residents described it as an explosion. They say they first smelled gas, heard loud pops then saw the building engulfed in flames.

Relatives say Fabian’s mother, Mirela Pena, broke through a window holding her seven month old daughter, Sophie, to get out. They were both cut during the escape.

Mirela’s sister and cousin say she’d planned to go back in for Fabian, but couldn’t.

"She said she was yelling and yelling and nobody would help her. Like, instead of helping her, they were recording, and did not do anything. And she tried to go in there four times, but she couldn't," said Jennifer Castillo, Fabian’s aunt.

Fabian was burned over half of his body and left unrecognizable. He was transported to the hospital and remained in ICU for a day before he died.

Investigators have not determined what caused the fire, but residents say the gas had been off for weeks and it was turned on by apartment maintenance right before the fire started.

Dallas Fire Rescue has not verified those reports, but does say it will wait for autopsy results before determining the cause of the fire.

ATMOS Energy, the complex utility provider, has not returned our calls for comment.

Sunday, a makeshift memorial was growing at the complex in remembrance of Fabian. His memorial is Monday, followed by his funeral on Tuesday.

The family has started receiving baby clothes and donations since Mirela lost nearly all of her belongings in the fire.

The apartment management released a statement saying it’s working with everyone affected by the fire to accommodate their needs.