Woman, 53, killed in Mexico apartment fire

MEXICO, Mo. (KMIZ)

A 53-year-old woman died in a fire that hollowed out the top floor of a two-story apartment building in Mexico early Monday.

Shelia D. Ball of Mexico died along with several pets, the Mexico Department of Public Safety said in a news release. The department was sent to the fire at about 3 a.m., according to a news release.

Firefighters at the scene found heavy flames coming from the second story at 203 E. Jackson St. The blaze wasn't extinguished until about 8:30 a.m. and firefighters stayed at the scene for investigation, the release says.

Five adults and an infant were able to get out of the building unharmed, the department says. The state fire marshal's office was brought in to help with the investigation.

The displaced people were getting help from the local chapter of the American Red Cross, a chapter spokesperson said.