Investigators are trying to determine what caused a fire that killed a woman and her grandchild.

  • Fire started Wednesday night at a mobile home in Tampa
  • Firefighter found two people, an adult and a child, dead inside
  • One deputy was taken to a hospital for smoke inhalation and minor burns

The fire started in a mobile home at 5319 Garden Lane in Tampa.

Eva Diaz, 58, and her grandson, 2-year-old Benjamin Albriza, were inside with their uncle.

Neighbors heard screams coming from the home. Neighbor Caleb McDonald rushed to help and rescued the uncle.

"I heard Junior call my name one time," McDonald said. "I looked out the doorway, and the whole half of the house was engulfed. I just ran in and pulled him out, but he was fighting me to get his mother out. I pulled him out and he passed out, fainted and I ran back in to get his mother out."

McDonald said the 2-year-old was clinging to his grandmother. McDonald tried, but couldn't reach them.

Hillsborough County Deputy Dane Tewmey also rushed inside to rescue Diaz and Albriza, but authorities said an explosion pushed Tewmey backward and made it impossible for him to save the two. Deputy Tewmey was treated for burns to his arms and hands. He was later treated and released.

The uncle is being treated at a nearby hospital.

Friends of the family have set up a GoFundme page to help raise money for funeral expenses. You can access it by clicking here.