NASHUA –– An 80-year-old woman has been identified as the victim of a fatal fire that erupted on Langholm Drive early Thursday morning.
The New Hampshire Medical Examiner’s Office identified the woman as Judith Michael, a resident of the house that burned down.
Michael’s cause of death was smoke inhalation and her death was ruled as accidental.
The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is ongoing by members of the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office, Nashua Fire Department, and the Nashua Police Department.
Nashua Fire dispatch received a report of the house fire at 86 Langholm Drive at 1:30 a.m. Upon arrival, firefighters, police, and a crew from AMR saw heavy fire coming from the residence and were informed that an occupant was still inside.
Attempts to enter the house were hampered by heavy fire throughout the structure and what was described as “heavy hoarding conditions.” Alternative crews were then directed to attempt access through a bedroom window.
Shortly afterwards, Mrs. Michael was located, removed from the home, and transported to a local hospital where she later died.
Two other residents were also transported to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center before being transferred to a Boston hospital.
One resident is in critical condition, while the other is stable.
During the operation, a power line attached to the residence fell, creating a hazardous condition. Eversource responded to mitigate the issue.
