A Columbia neighborhood is picking up the pieces after fire ripped through the home of a senior couple.
Seventy-three-year-old Essie Mae Bolar, who was caught in the fire, died after the blaze.
The Richland County Coroner says Bolar died of carbon monoxide and smoke inhalation.
Columbia fire officials say the flames broke out shortly after five o'clock Tuesday at 1808 Carter Street. That neighborhood is in the Bradley community off Two Notch Road. The Richland County Fire Marshal's office has ruled the fire accidental and says it was caused by some kind of electrical problem.
James Patrick lives just a few doors down from where the fatal fire hit. He saw smoke pouring into the sky when he was driving home from work Tuesday night. By the time he got to the Carter Street home, he says flames were shooting out of the windows.
"I just parked the car and I tried to help but the fire was just too hot," says Patrick.
Several nearby residents joined Patrick just before emergency crews arrived. The man who lived in the home was able to escape. Neighbors tried to help him rescue his wife, but they were not able to safely get in the home. The woman was pulled out by firefighters and was rushed to a Columbia hospital.
"There was nothing anyone could do," says neighbor Scott Bouye, who ran into the house, but backed off because of the heavy smoke and flames. "You just felt helpless."
Fire damages are estimated at roughly $75,000.
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