Sisters-in-law killed in Northlake house fire, police say
65-year-old Susan Palos mother to 10 children, recently widowed, family and friends say
NORTHLAKE, Ill. (WLS) -- Two women were killed in a suburban fire Monday morning, Northlake police said.
Authorities responded at about 1:25 a.m. to the fire at 74 West Drive in Northlake.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Flames and heavy smoke could be seen coming from the home. The windows were shattered. Multiple fire departments from the area responded to extinguish the fire.
Two women were taken to local hospitals, where they later died, police said.
The women were identified by police as 65-year-old Susan Palos and 63-year-old Maricarmen Wilkerson. The victims were sisters-in-law, police said.
"I was always very close with the family, especially my mom. They go to church together at Saint John Vianney; it's just heartbreaking," neighbor Christopher Pederson said.
Pederson said police officers woke him up in the middle of the night due to the fire.
SEE ALSO: Delta flight returns to Savannah airport after engine trouble sparks grass fire
"I ran out of the bedroom. I was worried that my house was on fire, ran to the front door. Cops told us to move the cars. So, we did, for them to access the back of the property," Pederson said. "It was full of smoke. You couldn't see a foot in front of you if you were lucky."
The fire was also challenging for first responders.
"The challenges for the fire department, at one point a few from the fire department were on the second floor, and they had to have a mayday, where they had to rescue the firefighters from the second floor to get them out," Northlake Police Chief Ken Beres said.
No one else was inside the home at the time.
Northlake officials said the fire was electrical-related and no foul play was involved.
Neighbors are still processing what unfolded.
"It was definitely a scary situation, I can only imagine for the family, hopes and prayers for them," Pederson said.
Friends and neighbors said Palos was a mother to 10 children. She was trying to make ends meet after her husband recently died, they said.
"Scary, they were coming out all over that side, and my first thought was 'please,' like, I said, 'don't let anybody be there,'" neighbor Charmaine Miles said.
Friends and neighbors of the family said Palos was often called a sweet soul and a second mom to those who lived in the area. They said she was always giving back, even as she tried to manage her own personal challenges.
"I can't believe it. This last year, since her husband died, she's had a lot to deal with and now this," Miles said. "I know this is really hard to deal with. But stay strong because your mom would want that from you."
