The grief and shock is still setting in after seven people are killed in a Southwest Philadelphia house fire Friday night. Three of those victims were children.
In a show of strength, their mother Michelle Dosso spoke out Sunday in an effort to prevent more deaths.
"We’re not going to let Elliot, Vivian, Jennifer, Mariam, Ramere, and Zyhire die in vain," said Dosso to a congregation of supporters.
It was a powerful plea from a mother who is facing the unthinkable.
Dosso spoke out at Sunday services at the Christ International Baptist Church urging everyone to get smoke detectors.
Just this Friday her three children, 8-year-old Ramere Markese Wright-Dosso, 6-year-old Mariam Iyanya Dosso, and 1-year-old Zyhire Xzavier Wright-Teah, were killed in a fire that also claimed the lives of four others.
“Get some smoke detectors, get some fire extinguishers. The fire houses is willing to give these items for free, so get it done!" Dosso said.
After she spoke, congregants tried to offer their support with hugs and kind words.
Fire officials said the devastation began Friday night when a mistake occurred with a kerosene heater and set fire to a three-story Southwest Philadelphia brick duplex.
Six of the victims were found huddled together in the basement and a seventh was found near a door.
The victims were a part of a large Liberian community in Southwest Philadelphia.
Commissioner Lloyd Ayers attended the services saying this entire community is grieving together.
“Just to be with the community and to be out as we requested and talk to them about fire safety. This is a fire safety issue," said Ayres. "We want them to know that we're praying for them."
And the words of support stretched across Philadelphia Sunday as members of the new fellowship church at 70th and Woodland also offered up prayers saying they are grieving too.
“It’s time to give. The bible says it knows you by your deeds. This is one of those times to come forward and help that family," said deacon Paul "Earthquake" Moore.
