Just before 12:30 PM on Thursday, emergency crews responded to reports of a house fire with entrapment in the unit block of Broadleaf Drive in the Belltown Woods neighborhood of Newark.
The Christiana Fire Company arrived on the scene to find fire coming from the front of the residence. Law enforcement officers initially attempted to gain entry, followed by firefighters who entered the home to locate the occupant. Mutual aid fire companies also responded to assist in containing the blaze.
During their search, firefighters rescued one female victim from the residence. She was turned over to New Castle County Paramedics and emergency medical services personnel from the fire department. The victim was transported to Christiana Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.
The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office is currently on the scene investigating the origin and cause of the fire. Preliminary reports indicate that the fire caused an estimated $250,000 in damage.
No other injuries were reported. The fire was officially declared under control shortly before 1:00 PM. (Main image and screenshot of officers making entry into home provided by Jimmy Shaner)