Woman Dies in Ohio Apartment Fire

VANDALIA, Ohio --

Authorities in Vandalia said they are investigating a fatal apartment fire.

The fire happened around 7:15 a.m. Thursday at 111 S. Dixie Drive.

Fire investigators are still trying to determine what sparked the blaze. They also said the State Fire Marshal's office is helping in the investigation.

Family members have identified the victim as a 51-year-old woman who was disabled. They said she never made it out of her hospital bed during the fire.

Firefighters said four other people had to be rescued from the burning apartment building. They were taken to a local hospital and treated for fire-related injures.

Investigators said the fire started in the victim's apartment. They said neighboring apartments suffered damage in the fire and that the American Red Cross is helping those residents.

Investigators believe the fire was started by the improper use of smoking material.

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