Edited release
12/07/23
Cedar Rapids Police and Fire have identified the victim of a Tuesday afternoon fire that resulted in three injuries and one fatality.
First responders were called to an apartment fire in the 200 block of 19th St NE at approximately 2:13pm. Crews arrived on scene to find residents unable to escape their apartments on the second and third floors due to smoke in the hallways and requiring rescue through exterior windows. Ladders were placed and rescues were successfully made for several residents. Fire was located on the third floor and crews worked to extinguish the fire and conducted search operations, confirming all residents had been located. Four victims were treated for smoke and fire-related injuries. All were transported to local medical centers for further care. One of the four victims did not survive.
The victim has been identified as 71-year-old Wasfia Elshennawy, of Cedar Rapids.
No injuries were reported to firefighters or police. Area Ambulance, Marion Fire, and Hiawatha Ambulance provided assistance in this incident. Off-duty firefighters were called to duty to cover stations around the City to ensure complete coverage during this incident. Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control was able to rescue two cats. Two others are believed to have perished.
While deemed accidental, the details of the fire are still under investigation.
