LANCASTER, Pa. — A second person has died following a house fire in Lancaster city on New Year's Eve.
Ariana Leavitt, 13, died Monday shortly before 12:30 a.m. at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, according to the Lehigh County Coroner's office.
According to the coroner's office, she died from smoke inhalation.
The fire broke out shortly after 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 31 at a home along the 400 block of West Lemon Street in Lancaster. Eighteen-year-old Anna Leavitt, the older sister of Ariana, died Saturday at Lancaster General Hospital from the fire.
Kennedy Toomey, who lives nearby, says she saw everything unfold. She says she immediately went to assist them.
“We were trying to figure out how to open the door because we realized there were still people [in] there," said Toomey.
Her husband was also nearby at the time of the fire and says by the time they went to check things out, the building was already up in flames.
The couple stayed on-scene even after first responders arrived.
“We saw a couple of the firefighters going in and pulling a couple of people out. One of them we watched go into an ambulance, the other one was on the ground doing compressions for what seem like two to three minutes," said Toomey.
The couple says it was heartbreaking to learn the two girls had not made it.
Both girls attended the School District of Lancaster.
"It is with deep regret that we inform you about a recent loss to our school community," said Principal Aaron Swinton with Reynolds Middle School in Lancaster. "This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school, especially our students."
Investigators have ruled the fire to be accidental in nature due to electrical failure.
"Oftentimes, death is truly understood when it is placed in the hands of someone you love. Both Anna and Ariana were truly loved by the RMS community and will be sorely missed," said Swinton.
The home sustained significant damage and has been condemned, according to DJ Ramsay, a spokesperson for Lancaster City.
The School District of Lancaster released the following statement following their deaths:
"Our school district community is grieving the passing of two students following a tragic fire on Saturday in Lancaster.
McCaskey senior Anna Leavitt passed away on Saturday and her sister, Reynolds eighth-grader Anna Leavitt, passed away early Monday morning. We send our sincerest condolences to their family and friends.
Our District will be opening schools on Monday, Jan. 2, to offer support for staff. In addition, counselors will be available to students and staff upon their return to school on January 3.
In the days to come, our crisis support team will remain engaged to provide support to both students and staff as needed. We ask that you keep all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy in your thoughts and prayers."
The Lancaster City Bureau of Fire reminds all residents to:
- Install 10-year battery-powered smoke alarms on every floor and in every bedroom.
- Test your smoke alarms every month by pressing the “test” button.
- Ensure every person in your home understands and practices your home fire escape plan twice a year.
The Lancaster City Bureau of Fire can install smoke alarms free of charge to qualified homeowners in Lancaster City. For more information on smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, please contact the Lancaster City Fire Marshal Division by calling (717) 291-4869 or by email at firemarshal@cityoflancasterpa.gov.