CITY OF NEW KENSINGTON, PA – Just before 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, March 6th, fire crews were dispatched to the 500 block of 4th Avenue for a reported structure fire.

Two New Kensington Police Officers arrived and were told that a woman was trapped inside. Both officers attempted to make entry into the duplex, but were forced to back out due to high heat. New Kensington’s Assistant Chief arrived and was able to reach the victim and pull her out, however, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

As crews arrived, they were faced with heavy fire in the rear of the duplex being fed by high winds. Additional resources were requested as crews continued to battle the fire, which extended into a neighboring duplex and into a three-story apartment building. Both were vacant, but suffered severe damage.

There is no word on what caused the fire as the Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate. The victim was a 49-year-old woman who had returned home because she was not feeling well while celebrating her husband’s 50th birthday.