One person killed in Monongahela fire

The blaze broke out on the 500 block of Warne Street Extension late Saturday night.

By the MVI

An investigation into a late Saturday night fire in Monongahela ended tragically as the woman who lived there perished in the blaze.

The Washington County coroner’s office said Linda Pankiewicz, 75, died during the raging fire at her home on the 500 block of Warne Street Extension, located off Route 88, Cemetery Hill. While the residence was believed to be vacant, human remains were discovered during the Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal’s investigation on Sunday, according to the coroner’s office.

The Monongahela Fire Department posted on Facebook that at 11:45 p.m., they were on the scene working to contain a fully involved structure fire. The home was completely engulfed in flames as nearly a dozen fire departments and ambulance crews arrived on scene.

Officials confirmed to Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 that two firefighters were injured in a fall while battling flames. They have both since been released from the hospital.

Monongahela police and firefighters were assisted at the scene by Tri Community EMS, Bentleyville, Carroll Township, Charleroi, Collinsburg, Fallowfield Township, Gallatin-Sunnyside, New Eagle, Valley Inn, and Washington Township fire departments. Tankers had to be brought in to help battle the blaze as the house was located in a non-hydrant area.

The blaze is under investigation by Monongahela City police Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal.