Dedham Woman Saved Roommates Before Dying in Fire

A tragic house fire in Dedham claimed the life of Lynne O’Brien Saturday morning. Town fire officials say the 52-year-old resident became trapped in the blaze after helping her roommates safely escape the house.

Firefighters discovered O’Brien’s body on the second floor of the home on 22 Harding Terrace. O’Brien scrambled to alert her two roommates of the fire and helped them to safety. In the process, officials say O’Brien was overwhelmed by the blaze.

O’Brien was rushed to Norwood Hospital, but was pronounced dead. Her two roommates were treated for smoke inhalation. Three firefighters were also injured battling the blaze.

Preliminary investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office indicates that the cause of the fire was electrical and accidental in nature.

Dedham Fire Department, the Dedham Police Department, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office will continue to investigate the matter.