Fast-moving flames not only destroyed an Altoona home Thursday morning, they ripped a family apart forever.

Investigators said a young child died from injuries he suffered in the blaze. Firefighters tried desperately to save him but just couldn't get to him in time.

Authorities cleared the scene early Thursday afternoon but they weren't able to release much information. They said they believe the fire started on the first floor of the left side of a duplex along Second Street, but there is still a lot of investigating to be done. In the meantime, neighbors are mourning the loss of a young child.

People who live two blocks away from the home could see the dark smoke billowing around 6 a.m. Thursday.

"We came up the hill and saw the house completely engulfed," said a man who lives nearby. "It was a hectic scene and then moments later they were bringing people, who seemed to be the mother and two young kids, out of the house."

At the time onlookers said their injuries did not appear to be serious.

"The mother was pretty well black. You could tell she was covered in soot," he said. "The kids just looked to be shaken. There wasn't anything visible that I could see."

Anna Norris lives just a few houses away.

"I don't know how long the fire had been going before they woke up," she said. "I do know that the mother had jumped off the porch, so I'm assuming she jumped with her daughter."

She said she immediately ran over to help the family and saw the injuries firsthand.

"They were pulling the little boy out and it didn't look good from there," said Norris.

Police said the child passed away a short time later.

"They do their best to get the people out before they're injured," said Altoona city Fire Marshal Tim Hughes. "When you're pulling people out of buildings that are on fire, it's real emotional stress on the guys."

"I can only just imagine how hurt (the mother) is now over the loss of a child," said a neighbor. "It's bad. It's tough, especially this time of year."

Authorities told 6 News two people were rushed to a hospital in Pittsburgh. Their conditions have not been released, neither have their names.

Neighbors said the family was not well-known in the area because they just moved in about a month ago.