Mother dies after jumping from 2nd-story window during house fire in Chester, Delaware County

CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) -- A mother died Thursday after she jumped from her burning home in Chester, Delaware County.

The fire broke out around 8 a.m. in the 1400 block of West Congress Street.

Fire crews arrived within four minutes and saw people jumping from a second-story window to escape the burning home.

Officials say three people jumped from the window, including 37-year-old Jennifer Patterson, her son and her boyfriend.

Patterson sustained life-threatening injuries. She was taken to the hospital, where she later died.

Officials say the victim's child and boyfriend are expected to be OK, along with others who were able to exit the residence.

Neighbors are in disbelief.

"It's crazy how it happened. If it wasn't for my niece taking the kids out, they'd be dead today too," recalled Calvin Santiago, of Chester.

Patterson was someone that neighbors described as caring and a good mom.

"Very good woman. I'll never forget her. I'll never forget her," said Carole Morgan, of Chester.

Neighboring fire departments also responded, including Eddystone, Parkside, Aston, Brookhaven, Tinicum, and Garden City.

The blaze went to a second alarm before being placed under control, officials said.

"We are heartbroken that the fire this morning has ended in tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased. I am proud of the quick response of our Chester Fire and Police Departments, and grateful for the incredible response of neighboring fire departments. I am also grateful to the Chester Chaplains Corps for being present to care for those affected by this incident," Mayor Stefan Roots said in a statement.

Two nearby apartments were damaged by minor smoke.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.