Babysitter Saves Kids in Fatal MA Fire

(AP) WHITMAN, Mass.

A Whitman grandmother was killed in a fire, but her four grandchildren were safe after a baby sitter helped them escape the flames.

The body of 73-year-old Helena Drass was found in a second floor bedroom after the fire early Saturday.

Fire officials say the blaze may have been fueled by medical oxygen tanks inside the woman's room.

They praised the baby sitter, whom they didn't identify, for helping the children out of the home, then returning into the house in an unsuccessful attempt to save Drass.

Fire Chief Timothy Grenna said the baby sitter was "truly a hero."

The baby sitter suffered minor burns to her hands in the rescue attempt. She was treated and released at a local hospital.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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