GROVES, Texas — An 83-year-old Groves woman died in a house fire on Friday that may have been caused by an electrical issue.
The body of Norma Cole, 83, of Groves, was found following a house fire on November 24, 2023, according to Jefferson County Precinct Two Justice of the Peace Joseph Guillory II.
Cole died from being disoriented from the smoke, according to Groves Fire Chief Lance Billeaud.
The preliminary investigation suggests that the fire may have started as an electrical fire Billeaud told 12News Monday morning.
“The most I can tell you right now is we think it was an electrical short, in an outlet. The way the fire where the lady was she kind of got trapped by the fire. She got a little disoriented. And that’s all about I can really tell you, right now on this investigation. It is a tragic accident in the whole thing. I know that our guys did the best of they could to try get to her as fast as they could. Its just one of those tragic accidents that happen," said Billeaud.
However, firefighters are still awaiting results from the complete investigation he said.
The fire happened at a home in the 6600 block of Madison Ave on Friday just after 3 p.m. according to Groves Fire Department Investigator H. Grove.
Judge Guillory ordered an autopsy.
When firefighters arrived heavy smoke and flames could be seen on the west side of the home and the porch according to Grove.
Cole's body was found after firefighters made a search of the home he said.
Firefighters from the Groves Fire Department, Port Neches Fire Department and Nederland Fire Department all responded to the fire along with medics from Acadian Ambulance Groves.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.