Hayti woman dies in apartment fire

HAYTI, Mo.,-- A 74-year-old woman lost her life as a result of smoke inhalation caused by a structure fire at Center Apartments on Monday evening.

The Hayti Police Department reports that at approximately 7:37 p.m., authorities were called to apartment number 212, within the Center Apartment complex where the Hayti Fire Department extinguished flames within the structure, prior to emergency personnel discovering the body of the 74-year-old woman who reportedly lived at the residence alone.

Pemiscot County Coroner Jim Brimhall was called to the scene where he made the determination that the deceased woman had died as a result of heavy smoke inhaled during the incident.

The Missouri State Fire Marshall, Pemiscot County Sheriff's Department, and additional members of the Hayti Police and Fire Departments also responded to the emergency.

A spokesman for the Hayti Police Department told the Daily Dunklin Democrat on Tuesday, that following further investigation, it was determined that the fire was accidental.

Although the spokesman was reluctant to provide specific details regarding the cause of the fire, he did note that foul play was ruled out. The victim's identity was not released.