Sumter, South Carolina – A 67-year-old woman tragically lost her life in a house fire that officials believe was caused by a microwave mishap. On the evening of Thursday, May 23, emergency crews responded to the scene on Kolb Road in southwest Sumter County to find smoke engulfing the residence and a desperate individual outside screaming for help.
According to a news release from the county sheriff’s office, one of the home’s occupants managed to escape and informed a deputy that the other resident was still inside. The victim, identified as Thommie Ruth Jackson, was promptly removed from the home and rushed to Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, but ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
Reports reveal that Jackson had been residing in the house on Kolb Road with her sister prior to the fatal incident. A witness disclosed that the fire started when one of the residents tried to use the microwave to warm a sandwich, but the packaging, which contained foil, suddenly burst into flames.
Efforts were made to rescue Jackson, but the thick smoke prevented authorities from entering the premises. Fire officials later confirmed that the cause of the fire was the aluminum foil wrapper in the microwave, categorizing it as an accidental incident. Additionally, the poor living conditions inside the home hindered the fire extinguishing process and contributed to the fire’s rapid spread.
The official cause of Jackson’s death is still pending autopsy results from the Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. In light of this tragedy, the National Institute of Health’s Fire Marshal advises against placing any items containing metal, such as plates, cups, tin foil, or metal twist ties, in the microwave.
Microwave fires can be dangerous and should be treated with caution. In the event of a microwave fire, it is recommended to unplug the unit, keep the door closed, and call the local fire department for assistance.