80-year-old woman dies after scooter fire outside Ely care center

By Staff reports

January 08, 2025 at 9:32 AM

ELY, Minn. 鈥� An 80-year-old woman died after a fire erupted on her motorized scooter outside a care facility Monday, authorities said.

The Ely Police Department said the victim 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.

The woman 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. Her identity was not immediately released.

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

It's unclear what caused the blaze. Police said the case is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal's Office.

By Staff reports

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80-year-old woman dies after scooter fire outside Ely care center

Staff members pulled the victim off the scooter before authorities arrived, but she suffered "severe burns."