A woman died when flames engulfed her home in Des Plaines late Sunday night. Only her father made it out of the fatal fire alive.
When firefighters arrived at the home in the 100 block of Irwin Avenue around midnight, the entire split-level house was engulfed in flames. They were able to put it out about 20 minutes later.
Sandra Lupi, 49, was found on the lower level of the home. She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office.
The homeowner, the victim's father, said he was the one who called for help. But Ronald Kauke said he could not get to his daughter in time to save her before firefighters came.
A grief-stricken Kauke and a police officer were treated for smoke inhalation on the scene. Des Plaines police confirmed the officer had gone into the house to attempt a rescue and that he was not hospitalized.
Reports said Lupi had been warned by fire officials about the dangers of smoking in bed.
Firefighters remind residents about space heaters and changing smoke detector batteries. There is no word yet on whether the victim had working smoke detectors in her home.
The west suburban house fire remains under investigation Monday morning.
The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:14 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:14:22 GMT
A 19-year-old former student at Glenbard East High School in Lombard has been charged with planning to commit an act of violence at the school, DuPage County prosecutors announced Wednesday.
A 19-year-old former student at Glenbard East High School in Lombard has been charged with planning to commit an act of violence at the school, DuPage County prosecutors announced Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:10 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:10:07 GMT
Though at least five ambulances and Fire Department personnel were dispatched to Midway Airport when a 737 reported a cracked windshield, the plane landed safely Wednesday morning.
Though at least five ambulances and Fire Department personnel were dispatched to Midway Airport when a 737 reported a cracked windshield, the plane landed safely Wednesday morning.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:13 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:13:43 GMT
An attorney for an 87-year-old grandmother who accuses Donald Trump of cheating her in a condo deal has told jurors the "Apprentice" star lied on the witness stand.
An attorney for an 87-year-old grandmother who accuses Donald Trump of cheating her in a condo deal has told jurors the "Apprentice" star lied on the witness stand.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:54 AM EDT2013-05-22 13:54:21 GMT
A one-of-a-kind Chicago Public School is doing very well amid the controversy surrounding CPS closures, and the final Chicago Board of Education vote on the plan scheduled for Wednesday.
A one-of-a-kind Chicago Public School is doing very well amid the controversy surrounding CPS closures, and the final Chicago Board of Education vote on the plan scheduled for Wednesday.
