Hagerstown fire victim dies days later as teen fights for life after rescue

Hagerstown, MD – A woman injured in a house fire late Friday has died from her injuries, as a teenage victim rescued from the same blaze remains hospitalized in critical condition. Officials said the fire, which tore through a first-floor apartment, was caused by an electrical failure.

Key Points

50-year-old Monae Williams-Lee died after injuries from Friday’s Hagerstown fire
A 17-year-old rescued from the blaze remains in critical condition
Investigators determined the fire was caused by an electrical failure

The fire broke out around 12:50 a.m. Friday at a residence on South Prospect Street, prompting a response from the Hagerstown Fire Department and surrounding agencies. Crews arriving at the scene encountered heavy fire conditions throughout the first-floor apartment.

Monae Williams-Lee, 50, and a 17-year-old were rescued from the structure by firefighters and transported to Meritus Medical Center before being flown to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center for further treatment. Hospital officials confirmed Tuesday that Williams-Lee succumbed to her injuries.

Smoke alarm credited with saving one occupant

Investigators said a 15-year-old inside the home was able to escape without injury after a smoke alarm activated, providing critical early warning. The teen exited the structure before conditions worsened inside the residence.

Deputy State Fire Marshals later determined that the fire originated from an unspecified electrical failure. No additional details about the exact source of the malfunction have been released.

First fire fatality in county this year

Officials confirmed that Williams-Lee’s death marks the first fire fatality in Washington County this year. In 2025, the county recorded one fatal fire, which occurred in November.

“Our hearts break for the victim and her loved ones,” Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray said. “This heartbreaking incident reminds us that while smoke alarms save lives, every second counts in a fire.”

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding the blaze.

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