Carmen Rivera says there was no mistaking the desperation in the screams that she heard from her neighbors’ apartment.

Fire officials say just before 6 p.m. Saturday, a fire broke out at a home for seniors on East 232 Street, and that two people were rushed from their third floor apartment in serious condition. The NYPD says a 76-year-old man died at the hospital.

Close friends of the victims tell NY1, the pair was husband and wife, both in their 70’s with disabilities.

Cindy Molina rushed to the scene after she learned of the fire.

“So you’re aunt’s apartment was the one that was on fire? Yes, sir. How did you hear about it, phone call,” said Cindy Molina, a family friend.

Molina is a close family friend who considers the female victim family.

She was devastated to learn of the fire.

“She’s like my aunt! She saw me growing up. She’s my daughter’s godmother!” said Molina.

Neighbors like Rivera had nothing but kind words to say about the married couple who lived down the hall from her for more than 10 years at Our Lady of Mercy Senior Manor.

“They were nice people. Nice people,” said Rivera.

At this time, the cause of the fire is under investigation.