KENT COUNTY, MD (July 14, 2014) – The Office of the State Fire Marshal and Maryland State Police are continuing the investigation into the origin and cause of the fatal fire at 5182 Harris Road in Rock Hall. The investigation revealed Hester Louise Wright (85) was unable to escape the blaze as her daughter tried to lead her outside to safety. Her daughter received minor burns to her shoulder and was treated and released from Kent County General Hospital.
The 3:55 a.m. fire was brought under control by nearly 50 firefighters from Rock Hall, Galena and Chestertown Volunteer Fire Departments. The two-story dwelling was heavily damaged during the blaze causing the 2nd floor to collapse over the victim. The Anne Arundel County Fire Department Technical Rescue Team provided shoring support of weakened structural walls while an excavator was used to remove debris to allow investigators to safely remove the victim. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is determining the cause of death.
Damage estimates for the structure and contents are valued at approximately $120,000. The origin and cause for the fire remain under investigation at this time.
