The woman killed in the fatal fire on Tetlow Street Wednesday likely died of smoke inhalation, officials said Thursday.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported Thursday the preliminary cause of death for Eleanor Kazakewich, listed as the homeowner in city property records, was smoke inhalation. Her death is believed to have been accidental, a staffer said. She was 91.
Acting Fire Chief Michael Esposito said Kazakewich was bedridden. Her son, who was not named, attempted to re-enter the home to save her, he said, but was driven out by smoke and flames.
Firefighters responded to 47 / 221 Tetlow St. at approximately 10:36 a.m. Wednesday, according to Esposito.
He said the fire, believed to have been sparked by an electrical malfunction, started in the kitchen and made its way to the second floor.
Scorching could be seen outside the second floor of the home Wednesday as firefighters battled the blaze.