The woman who died in a fire on Friday in Shobonier has been identified. Fayette County Coroner David Hejl has identified the individual as 76 year old Ruby Darlene Mays of Shobonier. Hejl says that she died in a fire at her residence this past Friday. Hejl adds the cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, but he says it appears to be smoking related.
The Vandalia Fire Department responded to the residential fire this past Friday morning in Shobonier just after 10 am, where they found the structure to be fully involved with heavy fire and smoke. The Vandalia Fire Department contacted the Patoka and St. Peter Fire Departments who provided two additional water trucks and added manpower. Jerrod Estes with Rural EMS says they were on the scene and attempted to gain entry into the home along with a Fayette County Sheriff’s Deputy. But, he says the flames were too overwhelming. And, Estes also added there were oxygen bottles exploding during the fire.