2 Women Killed In Northbridge Duplex Fire

NORTHBRIDGE (CBS) – Two women were killed in an early Saturday morning house fire in Northbridge.

The State Fire Marshal's office told WBZ NewsRadio 1030 that the fire broke out around 3:15 a.m. on Border Street in the Northbridge village of Whitinsville.

Family members say 22-year-old Nicole Lavalle and 22-year-old Jordan Fontaine both perished in the blaze. Fire officials, who have not identified the victims, say the fire started in the unit both women were staying in.

Fire officials say the fire started in the unit where the victims were in.

Flames ripped through the duplex as the fire reached three alarms.

Neighbors told WBZ they tried to get into the home, but the fire was too intense.

"The house was all in flames and you could hear them screaming so I called 911," one woman said.

Northbridge Fire Chief Gary Nestor says one of the victims was found on the first floor, while the second was located on the second floor.

Family members say the victims are 22-year-old Nicole Lavallee and Jordan Fire officials have not released the identities of the two adult residents killed in the blaze.

Jessica Alger, Jordan's cousin, told WBZ-TV's Paul Burton all she can think about is Jordan's pain and suffering.

"It's the saddest way for someone to go," she said through tears.

Nicole's family and friends say she loved life and always wanted to help others.

"She was an artist and was amazing at playing music," says friend Codie Hendee. "She was there for everyone and would give the shirt off her back."

Kerri Hendee said Nicole was a "good girl and had the biggest soul and heart."

"She took care of my grandbabies," she said. "She's going to be deeply missed."

Another friend added, "She was always the one with the smile when there were dark clouds around."

Mike Mustafa, who works at the Village Variety convenience store across the street from where the fire took place, says he saw both women nearly every day.

"It's devastating to find out they're gone the next day," he said. "They were very nice people."

Fontaine worked at a local nursing home.

"Jordan was smart, very intelligent and she had her whole life going for her," Alger says.

No firefighters were injured.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports that the home had no working smoke detectors.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe and WBZ-TV's Paul Burton contributed to this report.

In:
• Northbridge