Wasfia Elshennawy Death – Following Tuesday afternoon’s fire in an apartment building in Cedar Rapids, one person has died as a consequence of their injuries. Three additional persons were hurt in the incident as well. At least two animals also lost their lives as a result of the fire.
The deceased has been identified as a 71-year-old Cedar Rapids resident by the name of Wasfia Elshennawy.
The 400 block of 19th Street NE was the scene of the fire, which broke out around 2:13 PM.
Four people were successfully rescued from the building by emergency responders on the first try. The inhabitants were unable to leave by themselves due to the smoke in the hallways. By using ladders to aid with their rescue attempts, the authorities were able to free the four people before Elshennawy passed away from her wounds at a local hospital.
At least two cats are thought to have died, but there are also other cats that are thought to be missing, according to Cedar Rapids Fire Department Assistant Chief Andy Olesen.
Following an investigation to determine the incident’s origin, it was determined that an accident was the cause of the fire.