New Bedford woman dies days after rescue from burning home

A 70-year-old woman died days after being rescued from the third floor of a burning home in New Bedford Oct. 9, officials announced Tuesday. 

The woman was in critical condition after first responders evacuated her from the house, the Department of Fire Services said in a statement. 

The New Bedford Fire Department responded around 8:30 p.m. to 396-398 Elm St. for a report of a fire and residents trapped on the home’s second and third floors, officials said. 

First responders arrived to find heavy smoke from the house’s second and third floors, and located only the woman inside the house, officials said. 

The woman, whose name has not been released, died from her injuries at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, the department said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it does not appear to be suspicious, the department said. 

Nearly a dozen residents were displaced from their homes due to the fire and are being assisted by the Red Cross, officials said.

“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones who are mourning today,” said New Bedford Fire Chief Brian Medeiros. “This is a terrible loss for them and our City.”