61-Year-Old Woman Dies Following Worcester House Fire

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester police confirmed that a woman injured in a house fire late Friday night has died.

Officers and firefighters were dispatched around 11:46 p.m. on Friday to 21 Neptune Rd. for a reported structure fire. Neighbors called 911 after hearing “banging noises” and seeing flames coming from the home.

Responding crews were told a woman lived at the residence. Firefighters located her inside, and she was taken by EMS to a local hospital in critical condition.

Read the initial report from Patch: Person Injured, 7 Cats Killed In Worcester House Fire: Reports

Authorities said crews remained on scene into the morning hours, battling the fire.

On Tuesday, police said the victim, identified as 61-year-old Laurie Francis, died from her injuries.

Officials also reported that several animals were found on the property, including both live and deceased animals that had succumbed to the fire. Worcester Animal Control took custody of the surviving animals.

The fire does not appear to be suspicious or intentional, according to police.

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