by BRIGITTE WILLIAMS
A man and his young godson jumped six stories to their deaths after they were trapped in a burning Harlem building last night, fire officials said.
"It's heartbreaking to know that those two people jumped," said Aaron Haynes, who lives at 611 W. 148th St., where the blaze broke out at 8:40 p.m.
Haynes saw a spark.
"I thought it was thunder and lightening," he said. "Then I smelled smoke. I immediately ran to the window and saw a big fire. People were shouting, 'Get out! Somebody help!' "
A bedroom in a fifth-floor apartment became engulfed in flames which shot out the window and spread to the floor above.
The 45-year old man and the boy, who appeared to be about 5 or 6, were unable to reach a window with a fire escape.
They took the fatal plunge together, officials said.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The boy died a short time later at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital. Their names were withheld.
Another woman in the apartment was unable to jump because the nearest window had guards on them and "that probably saved her life," FDNY Chief John Sudnik said.
Eight people, including two firefighters, suffered minor injuries.
The cause of the blaze was under investigation, but one official said it appeared to be an electrical fire.
Several residents complained about conditions in the building.
"The electric wiring is old. There are constant problems with it," said Paula Martin.
Additional reporting by Philip Messing
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