Johnny Whitted Jr. told a sheriff’s detective he smashed out a back window of the one-story house and carried his 3-year-old son to safety, but could not get back inside to save his wife and oldest son from the flames.

Durham school teacher Isaietta Whitted, 38, and Gabriel Whitted, 5, died from smoke inhalation in the 2:30 a.m. fire that gutted the two-bedroom home at 208 Todd St., a mile north of Durham Regional Hospital.

As of Thursday afternoon, Johnny Whitted, 49, who had cuts on his arms and burns on his arms, chest and head, was listed in serious condition at UNC Hospitals’ Burn Center.

Benjamin Whitted, 3, suffered from smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning, said Detective Stokes Barnes with the Durham County Sheriff’s Office. Benjamin was listed in fair condition at Duke University Hospital.