Press Release  New Bedford Woman Dies After Oct. 9 Fire

NEW BEDFORD — An Elm Street woman has passed away after being rescued by New Bedford firefighters from the third floor of a burning home last week, said New Bedford Fire Chief Brian Medeiros, New Bedford Police Chief Jason Thody, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, and Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III.

“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones who are mourning today,” said Chief Medeiros. “This is a terrible loss for them and our City.”

The New Bedford Fire Department responded to 396-398 Elm Street for a report of a fire just after 8:30 pm on October 9. While en route, they received additional information that there were residents trapped on the second and third floors of the multi-family home.

On arrival, firefighters observed fire coming from the second floor and heavy smoke coming from the second and third floors. They immediately made entry through an interior stairwell and over ground ladders to attack the fire and rescue any occupants. They located one person, a woman in her 70s, and removed her from the third floor for transport to an area hospital by New Bedford EMS. The woman, who was in critical condition, was later transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where she succumbed to her injuries.

The woman’s name is not being released at this time.

The origin and cause of the fire are being investigated by the New Bedford Fire Department’s Fire Investigation Unit, New Bedford Police, and State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s office. Preliminarily, the fire does not appear suspicious but the exact cause has not been determined.

Nearly a dozen residents have been displaced from their homes and are being assisted by the Red Cross. The New Bedford Emergency Management Agency, New Bedford Police, and Providence Canteen provided assistance at the scene.

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