The coroner has released the identity of an elderly woman who became trapped and died in a major house fire that also critically injured a second woman near Spring Grove Friday.
An autopsy performed showed that DonnaLee Saleh, 86, of Spring Grove, died as a result of smoke inhalation and thermal injuries, Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek said Tuesday.
The Fox Lake Fire Protection District and Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded around 11:58 a.m. Friday to the 38300 block of North 6th Avenue in unincorporated Spring Grove for a possible structure fire.
There were reports of an explosion with a house on fire and people trapped inside, according to emergency radio traffic.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said 911 callers reported smoke billowing from the front of the residence.
Fire crews arrived and found heavy flames and smoke coming from a single-family residence.
A 52-year-old man living in the residence was on the second floor of the home when he noticed the house filling with smoke, Covelli said.
He attempted to rescue Saleh and a 55-year-old woman, who both also lived in the home.
He was unable to rescue them due to the heat and smoke, Covelli said.
The man exited the home through the rear of the house. He suffered minor injuries.
Firefighters arrived and were able to rescue the two women. Three ambulances were called to the scene.
Saleh was pronounced dead at the scene despite lifesaving measures, Banek said.
The 55-year-old woman was transported to an area hospital in critical condition and has since been transferred to a burn center.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office said the autopsy was performed on Monday morning on Saleh. Toxicology testing, including carbon monoxide levels, are pending.
The incident was upgraded through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) to the box alarm level for additional fire departments to assist.
A natural gas leak was found and Nicor Gas was called to the scene with an expedited response to mitigate the leak, which was reported to also require a digging crew. ComEd was also called due to downed power lines.
Firefighters remained at the scene through the late afternoon working to extinguish remaining hot spots and conducting overhaul operations.
The fire occurred in an unincorporated area that has no fire hydrants so firefighters had to set up rural water operations and haul water to the scene using fire department tender trucks.
Heavy black smoke could be seen in the distance coming from the Lotus Woods subdivision.
Fire officials said the fire “was devastating” and their thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Covelli said the origin and cause of the fire are still unclear so far.
Sheriff’s fire investigators are collaborating with fire department investigators on the investigation. The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal is also assisting.