Woman dies after Sunday morning apartment fire in downtown Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Fire Department says a woman died Sunday morning after an apartment fire in downtown Indianapolis.

Firefighters responded to the Lucille Raines Residence, located in the 900 block of N Pennsylvania Street, around 5 a.m. and found heavy smoke on the fourth floor.

Witnesses told firefighters a woman, later identified as Sara Holt, 41, evacuated and re-entered her apartment twice but was later overcome by the smoke and did not make it out.

On June 2, the Marion County Coroner's office said the victim had been identified as Sara Holt, 41.

"The Indianapolis Fire Department would like to remind everyone – if a fire occurs in your home, apartment or building – please do not try and re-enter to gather personal effects or pets," public information officer Rita Reith said in a news release. "Get Out and Stay Out. The toxic effects of smoke will render you unconscious in minutes and can prove to be fatal – as evidenced by today’s unfortunate fatality. Our thoughts are with all who are affected by her loss."

The other 45 residents evacuated the building, including some who used the fire escape. Several of them were checked out by EMS at the scene and released.

IFD says there were working smoke alarms and no occupants were displaced.

The fire has been ruled accidental but the exact cause is still undetermined at this time.