A neighborhood in Garfield Ridge is reeling after a house fire claimed the life of an elderly woman Sunday morning, as confirmed by firefighting authorities and neighbors. According to the Chicago Tribune, the fire broke out at the residence located at 5425 South Mulligan Ave. and was responded to by firefighters at approximately 9:49 a.m. Sadly, the woman, living alone, was discovered inside, and despite the fire being extinguished in about 15 minutes, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The house suffered significant damage, and the fire appeared to have been burning for an undetermined amount of time before firefighters arrived, as District Fire Chief Michael Divita remarked, "The fire had been burning for a while; we don’t know how long," it had mostly burned itself out and the ongoing investigation is focused on determining the fire's origin and cause with smoking materials near supplemental oxygen considered a possible factor. The community is left to struggle with the aftermath where one neighbor, right across the street finds herself at a loss her heart breaks for the victim’s family she said, "I don’t know what happened," she said, "I don’t believe. I don’t believe," according to an interview by NBC Chicago.
The victim's identity has not yet been disclosed by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office, but according to NBC Chicago, the woman had five grandchildren and was a cherished figure in the family. Her son attempted a brave but ultimately futile rescue before being forced back by smoke, he was not seriously harmed and declined medical treatment. Neighbors recall the family fondly, one mentioning, "Good family,” she said, "The son, the wife everyone is very nice."
As the investigation continues, members of the Garfield Ridge community have gathered to mourn and reflect on the sudden tragedy that unfolded on their doorstep. Neighbor Teresa Borawska told NBC Chicago, "I come to church, I come home and watch and see the fire," Broken windows, broken upstairs and downstairs," signaling the disbelief and shock inherent in the wake of such unexpected loss.
