Fire victim’s family: ‘Loss is immeasurable, so is gratitude’

MIDDLEBORO — The family of fire victim Jasmine Lane has expressed appreciation for the community support they have received after the fire that took the 12-year-old’s life and injured several others.

“Jasmine's family is overwhelmed by the love and support shown to them,’’ according to an obituary published via O’Neill Funeral Home. “Though their loss is immeasurable, so is their gratitude.’’

The family acknowledged the Middleboro Fire Department, Police Department, Public Schools and Town Manager James McGrail.

Walk-through calling hours will be held on Friday, March 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of North Middleborough, 111 Plymouth St. (Route 18). Funeral services will be private, the funeral home site reports.

The family requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Middleboro Fire Department, “whose bravery and love Jasmine’s family will always remember.’’

The Nichols Middle School student died in a fire at her 27 Pearl St. home early Saturday, Feb. 24.

At about 2 a.m. that day, Middleboro Fire and Police were dispatched to 27 Pearl St. for a report of a structure fire with people trapped inside.

When first responders arrived, they saw heavy smoke coming from the first and second floors. Crews made an aggressive effort to keep flames from spreading to nearby structures  in the neighborhood.

First responders attempted to access the home to rescue Jasmine, who was reportedly still inside, but they were unable to get inside the home due to heavy fire conditions.

A 61-year-old female was transported by ambulance to Rhode Island Hospital with serious burn injuries. A 59 year-old male, and a juvenile female, were both transported to Good Samaritan Hospital for treatment.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined, although it does not appear suspicious, according to the state fire marshal office. An exact cause may take some time to be determined, a spokesman for the office reported Wednesday.