Madrid, Ala. (WDNews) – A tragic early morning fire has claimed the life of 72-year-old Molly Hardwick, according to Houston County Coroner Robert Byrd.
The blaze broke out around 1:18 a.m. Monday at 104 Pine Street in Madrid. Byrd said firefighters managed to contain the fire to the middle section of the mobile home, but Hardwick’s body was later discovered in a bathroom.
“She appears to have died from smoke inhalation,” Byrd said. “The fire was contained mainly to the center of the mobile home, but she was found in a bathroom toward one end of the mobile home.”
Byrd confirmed that Hardwick’s body has been sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery for further examination to determine the official cause of death.
Multiple fire and rescue units responded to the scene, including the Madrid Volunteer Fire Department, Cottonwood Volunteer Fire Department, Hodgesville Volunteer Fire Department, Rehobeth Fire, Rehobeth Rescue, Cottonwood Rescue, and deputies with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office.
“The Fire Marshals are investigating, but early reports suggest the fire may have been caused by electrical issues,” Byrd added.
(WDNews will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.)
