PERSON, pets found dead in Lebanon apartment fire — LEBANON — A 74-year-old woman and several animals were found dead an apartment that went ablaze late Monday in the city's southern end.
Lebanon police on Tuesday said the woman was identified as Susan Hayes, of Lebanon.
In a statement, the Boone County Coroner's Office said Hayes' cause of death was a medical emergency she suffered before the fire, and that the fire did not contribute to her death.
The fire happened about 7:17 p.m. Monday at Canterbury House Apartments, in the 1800 block of Sprucewood Drive, according to a news release from the Lebanon Fire Department.
Crews were originally dispatched for a reported cardiac arrest but discovered when they arrived that smoke was coming from a building.
MORE | Person shot to death on Indianapolis' northwest side
The call was then upgraded to a structure fire and additional units were called.
Once inside, crews realized there had been a fire but it was already out. Hayes and several cats and a dog were found inside, but they did not survive.
The Coroner's Office said the fire was caused by smoking materials, and no foul play is suspected.
MORE | 1 killed, another injured Carmel homicide; suspect in police custody
"As of today, the medical investigation into the death continues and is pending further testing," a Tuesday statement from the Coroner's Office states. "This is still an open and ongoing investigation."
Lebanon fire crews were assisted by Lebanon police, Boone County EMS, Whitestown Fire Department and Salvation Army of Boone County.
-
Fortville takes steps to get another grocery store as town grows
Right now, there is only one dedicated grocery store on the east end of town, a distance that can become a serious barrier for residents without reliable transportation.
Local program helps residents avoid utility shutoffs during winter cold snap
United Way of Central Indiana’s Winter Assistance Fund, a program designed for people who earn too much to qualify for government energy assistance programs but still can't afford rising utility costs
Hamilton Co Sheriff's using real-time data to help during winter emergencies
The Hamilton County Real-Time Information Center is leveraging advanced technology to help first responders act faster when winter weather puts lives at risk.
How Amazon keeps central Indiana deliveries going despite snow, ice and cold
Cold and snowy weather this week has left some central Indiana residents wondering, 'Will I get my Amazon package?'
