A tragic update follows last week’s Framingham fire, which has now resulted in two fatalities. Leyla Mendieta, 49, succumbed to her injuries on December 3, and her daughter, 23-year-old Nathalya Samaniego, has also passed away, as confirmed by Mass.gov. Fire Chief, Michael D. Dutcher, along with State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, and Middlesex County District Attorney Marian T. Ryan expressed their condolences, stating, "Our hearts go out to the family that lost two loved ones and their home."
The initial blaze, as reported by Hoodline, occurred at 33 Interfaith Terrace on the night of November 30. Firefighters faced heavy fire and smoke upon arrival but managed to rescue the two women from their second-floor apartment, both of whom were unresponsive at the time. One firefighter sustained minor injuries during the incident.
The Framingham Police and Fire Departments, alongside State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office and detectives assigned to the Middlesex DA’s office, determined that the fire originated in the area of a living room couch within the victims' apartment, although the exact cause is still under investigation. However, the incident does not appear suspicious according to officials.
In the wake of the fire, seven apartments suffered damage, and over ten residents were assisted by the Red Cross, as reported by NBC Boston, obtained by Hoodline. Chief Dutcher commended his team for their efforts, stating, "praised the team’s work in containing the fire to one unit."
