S.C. Woman Died in House Fire After 'Microwave Mistake' Involving Sandwich Wrapper, Police Say

A witness said one of the residents had attempted to use a microwave “to warm a sandwich in packaging containing foil,” which then "burst into flames"

A 67-year-old woman died following a South Carolina house fire that authorities believe started with a "microwave mistake" inside the home.

Crews responded to the scene on Kolb Road in southwest Sumter County at 8:37 p.m. local time on Thursday, May 23, to find “smoke billowing from the home and someone outside screaming for help,” according to a news release from the county sheriff’s office.

One of the home’s two residents reportedly managed to escape “and directed the deputy to a window [where] they believed the other resident remained.”

The victim, identified by the SCSO as Thommie Ruth Jackson, “was removed from the home” and transported to Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital in Sumter. She ultimately did not survive.

Related: Mom Rescues 2 of Her Kids from House Fire, But Dies After Going Back to Save 1-Year-Old Son

Jackson lived in the home on Kolb Road with her sister prior to the deadly blaze, according to the SCSO.

A witness said one of the residents had attempted to use a microwave “to warm a sandwich in packaging containing foil,” which then "burst into flames."

Authorities attempted to rescue Jackson, but “thick smoke made it impossible to enter” the home.

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Fire officials determined “the cause of the fire was related to placing an aluminum foil wrapper inside the microwave.” The fire has been ruled accidental.

Authorities also said “poor living conditions” inside the home made it difficult to put out the fire and helped it to spread.

Jackson’s official cause of death is pending autopsy results from the Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, according to the SCSO.

Related: 4-Year-Old Boy Died Days After House Fire That Killed Dad, Who Ran Back Inside to Save Him

Items containing metal, including plates, cups, tin foil or metal twist ties, should not be put into a microwave, according to the National Institute of Health’s Fire Marshal.

In the event of a microwave fire, the NIH Fire Marshal recommends unplugging the unit and leaving its door closed in addition to calling the local fire department.

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