Woman, 92, Killed In Monessen House Fire

MONESSEN (KDKA) – A 92-year-old woman was killed in a Thursday morning house fire in Westmoreland County.

According to officials, the fire broke out at a home on Reed Avenue around 10:30 a.m.

When firefighters arrived at the scene, smoke was pouring from the roof and windows of the home.

Neighbors say they tried to get inside to rescue the woman, Martha L. Johnson.

"She was laying under a window," said neighbor Marlous Johnson (no relation). "We couldn't get to her, the fire was too hot."

As Marlous and others tried to rescue Brenda from the front, Jason Lowther tried from the rear of the burning home, seriously injuring his arm.

"There was friend in need, a neighbor in need," said Lowther, "that's it."

Arctic conditions made the battle even more treacherous.

Meanwhile, despite the danger of their heroic attempts, Marlous and Lowther say they did what they had to do.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and remains under investigation.

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