Smoking suspected in fire that fatally engulfed woman on mobility scooter in Ely

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ELY, Minn. — While the investigation continues, preliminary findings suggest smoking likely caused a fire to erupt on a motorized scooter outside a care facility Monday that resulted in the death of an 80-year old woman, according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

In a updated news release from the Ely Police Department on Wednesday, the victim was identified as Marjorie Jane Hible, 80, of Ely.

The police department said Hible was “engulfed” before staff members were able to get her off the scooter. The incident was reported to 911 by a witness shortly after 4:30 p.m. outside the Boundary Waters Care Center, which provides skilled nursing and rehabilitation services.

Hible suffered “severe burns” and was initially taken by ambulance to Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital before being airlifted to Duluth, police said. She later died from her injuries.

One staff member also suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was released after receiving treatment.

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