Victim identified in Sudbury three-alarm fire

The victim of a fatal three-alarm fire in Sudbury last week has been identified as 74-year-old Hema O. Shahani, according to the Middlesex District Attorney’s office. 

The fire was reported on Feb. 21 around 5 a.m., according to a press release from Jon M. Davine, State Fire Marshal.

Shahani was unable to escape due to limited mobility. Two others — a Sudbury police officer and a family member of Shahani — attempted to rescue her. Both were transported from the scene for injuries sustained during the rescue attempt, the fire marshal said.

According to Sudbury officials, the fire was accidental. Overnight from Feb. 20 to Feb. 21, the two-story, single-family home lost heat on the first floor. Investigators believe the fire was started by a space heater that was left on overnight, causing the coils to overheat. The fire extended to a nearby closet and continued from there.

Various officials investigated the fire: Sudbury Fire Department, Sudbury Police Department, State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, State Police assigned to the Middlesex DA’s office, and Fire District 14 investigators. Mutual aid companies from other neighborhoods assisted at the scene while nearby firefighters helped with station coverage. 

Fire Marshal Davine advises everyone to ensure they have working smoke detectors in their home. 

“Our hearts go out to Ms. Shahani’s family and every family that loses a loved one to fire,” said Davine. 

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