EDISON – Despite the quick actions of firefighters last week, a woman who had apparently collapsed from smoke inhalation insider her burning mobile home has succumbed to her injuries.
Loretta E. Pante, 72, died at JFK Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit late on Feb. 15, according to Deputy Fire Chief Andy Toth.
Toth and Fire Chief Brian Latham were riding together on Route 1 when a fire started at Edison Mobile Estates on Route 1 north around 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 13. They were first to arrive at the scene.
“When we got there, flames were already coming from some windows and there was heavy black smoke,” Toth said. “Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire. The cause is under investigation.”
Firefighters carried the woman outside to safety and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation until emergency medical technicians (EMTs) arrived to transport her to JFK in Edison for emergency medical care, Toth said.
Toth said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Council President Alvaro Gomez recognized Latham, Toth and the firefighters for their efforts at the fire call at a Township Council meeting on Feb. 13. He thanked all public safety personnel for putting their lives on the line day in and day out.
