ELKTON, MD – December 25, 2023, marked a sorrowful Christmas in Elkton as a devastating early morning fire claimed the life of a young girl and left a family homeless. The Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division are investigating the incident.
The fire was reported at approximately 7:30 a.m. at 317 Willow Drive. Singerly Fire Company, along with nearby departments, responded swiftly. Upon arrival, the family was outside the home, but a young girl remained trapped inside. Firefighters courageously entered the burning house and found the child, who was later pronounced deceased at the scene. The fire escalated to two alarms, drawing nearly 75 firefighters, and took about an hour to control.
While the official identification and cause of death are pending confirmation from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the victim is believed to be a 10-year-old girl residing in the home. The household consisted of five other members, including four adults and a 13-year-old.
The cause and origin of the fire are still under investigation, with no working smoke alarms found in the home.