GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A Grand Rapids Township woman passed away from injuries sustained in a fire, said the Kent County Sheriff's Office on Thursday.
The woman was 83 years old.
Around 7:00 on Wednesday evening, deputies say a fire was reported at an assisted care facility on East Fulton Street just outside of Grand Rapids.
Deputies named the facility as Porter Hills Village, which posted on Wednesday night about a "situation involving a fire and an electric chair malfunction."
Specifically, the fire sparked inside a room in the facility. According to Porter Hills Village, the fire was isolated to the one room.
Deputies say, however, a woman was inside the room and could not escape.
Porter Hills Village released the following statement on Facebook Thursday night:
"Porter Hills Village is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our residents following an apartment fire yesterday evening. We offer our sincere condolences to the resident's family and share our heartfelt concern for residents and team members affected by this event. We are fully aware and are cooperating completely with the investigation of this fire. Every procedure and protocol were followed, and we are grateful to our team members who responded quickly and efficiently which prevented a more serious situation from developing at our community. The health and safety of our residents and team members remains, as always, our top priority."
First responders rescued the woman from the room and rushed her to the hospital, where she died Thursday from her injuries. Deputies say three residents were also hospitalized and treated for smoke inhalation.
At this time, authorities believe the fire was restricted to one room, but say smoke might have traveled.
The Kent County Sheriff's Office is working alongside local fire agencies, as the Plainfield Township Fire Department investigates the cause of Wednesday's fire.
