Several people were also trapped in a basement stairwell.

Fang sniffed her burned fingers, then darted for the basement stairwell.

Then she saw John dash out of the basement stairwell and across the courtyard, jacket tails flying, searching for her like the hero in a melodrama.

James, 6, scared his mother as he hung from a loose iron rail over a basement stairwell.

Just then, he heard screams from the basement stairwell.

The explosion was set off when a propane tank was dropped down a basement stairwell.

Sergeant Thompson's team went through the main basement stairwell, only to find three bodies crushed beyond recognition.

He then reportedly beat his parents with a hatchet and a sledgehammer and set the basement stairwell on fire.

The moisture didn't dry in her eyes as she carried him though the front hall, passing the dining room and kitchen, down the basement stairwell.

Then she scrambled to her feet, ducking back into the basement stairwell.