The Schuylkill County Coroner has identified the victim of a fatal house fire that occurred late Friday night in the city of Pottsville.
Emergency crews responded to a call just after 9:15 p.m. reporting a house fire with possible entrapment in the 1100 block of West Arch Street. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy flames coming from the front of 1126 Arch Street. They swiftly worked to contain the fire, managing to knock down the bulk of the blaze within minutes of their arrival.
Despite the rapid response, the fire caused extensive damage to the home, while neighboring residences also sustained at least smoke damage. Officials declared the fire under control approximately 30 minutes after dispatch.
By 10:30 p.m., the Schuylkill County Coroner's Office was requested to the scene. According to Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David Moylan, the victim has been identified as 80-year-old Gail Babcock, who lived in the apartment where the fire occurred.
Her body was transported to the Schuylkill Forensics Center, where a post-mortem CT scan will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation as authorities work to determine what led to the tragic incident. Further updates will be provided as more details become available.
UPDATE: According to Assistant Fire Chief Dan Kelly, the fire was brought under control within 30 minutes, and the victim was found in the area where the fire originated.
A State Police Fire Marshal was at the scene on Saturday, but no cause has been determined.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries on the call from falling due to the icy conditions.
