Woman Killed In Springhill Twp. Fire
SPRINGHILL TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- A woman was killed in an early morning duplex fire in Fayette County.
The fire broke out around 4 a.m. on Greater Point Marion Road in Springhill Township. Smoke was still billowing from the home as firefighters put out hotspots Thursday morning.
Officials have identified the victim as Silvia Lavistk.
"It was totally involved when we got here," said neighbor Rita Swanger.
Swanger watched as the house burned down from across the way.
"It was terrible. The flames were shooting really, really high. My concern was whether the lady had gotten out or not," said Swanger.
Fire officials believe Lavitsky tried to get out of the home, but was overcome by smoke. Her body was found just outside.
Lavitsky lived in the home alone, and is believed to be in her 70s. Firefighters said she rented from the couple who lives in the house next door. Thankfully, they made it out alive with the help of a neighbor up the street.
"He happened to roll over and saw the sky lit up. He looked at the clock. It wasn't time to get up yet. He got them out of house first," said Point Marion Volunteer Fire Chief Gary Ganoe.
The fire chief confirms a woman was killed in this house fire on Greater Point Marion Road in Springhill Twp., Fayette County. There are still some hot spots. @KDKA pic.twitter.com/rWybnggRJe
— Amy Wadas (@AmyWadas) March 28, 2019
Fire officials said the victim lived on the first floor of the apartment building. The fire chief said the second floor was in the process of being renovated. As the fire burned, the second floor collapsed on the floor below. The fire even burned through some power lines nearby.
Swanger didn't personally know Lavitsky, but said she'd see her from time to time.
"In fact, I just saw her Tuesday and waved at her then," said Swanger. "I just felt really, really bad. The first thing I did was say a prayer for her."
The neighboring home was evacuated, but no one there was injured.
Crews blocked off Greater Point Marion Road for much of the morning.
BREAKING NEWS: 911 confirms the coroner has been called to a house fire in Springhill Twp., Fayette County. Crews have blocked the bottom of Greater Point Marion Road so this is what we can see right now. @KDKA pic.twitter.com/rJKNo22KbU
— Amy Wadas (@AmyWadas) March 28, 2019
Several different fire departments from around the area also responded to the scene. And tanker trucks had to be brought in since there are no fire hydrants nearby.
The duplex was completely destroyed.
The fire marshal has been brought in to investigate the cause of the fire.
