Tragedy struck early Friday as a house fire claimed the life of one person and left another hospitalized. The fire broke out at approximately 4:30am at 557 Englewood Avenue and is believed to have been caused by a cigarette, according to the Town of Tonawanda Police.
The victim who lost her life in the fire has been identified as 71-year-old Mary D. Rogers. Despite efforts to escape, Rogers was unable to make it out and was pronounced dead at the scene. The other resident of the house, a 75-year-old individual, was rescued by a passersby and shortly thereafter transported to ECMC for treatment due to smoke inhalation.
The circumstances surrounding the fire are still under investigation. If anyone has any information regarding the fire, please contact the Town of Tonawanda Police Department at (716) 879-6614 or the department's confidential tip line at (716) 879-6606.
House Fire Started by Cigarette Kills 1, Another Saved by Good Samaritan