Fayette County coroner releases identity of woman killed in duplex fire

The Fayette County Coroner’s office has released the identity of a 90-year-old woman who was killed after a fire broke out in her Grindstone home Tuesday afternoon.

Coroner Dr. Phillip Reilly said Peggy L. Caringola died in the blaze that severely damaged her home on the 100 block of E. Second Avenue.

Grindstone Fire Chief Rich Lenk said crews responded to the fire at 2:10 p.m. for reports of the fire at the duplex house.

Officials believe the fire started in a vehicle that was parked under a carport, which then spread to the home, Lenk said.

“We don’t know how the car caught on fire, we don’t know why, but the state police fire marshal believes it was in the engine compartment of the car,” Lenk said.

The fire also impacted a house located to the left of the duplex, however no other injuries were reported.

Carignola was pronounced dead at the scene by deputy coroner Michael Rock at 4:20 p.m., Reilly said.

Reilly said cause and manner of death are still under investigation and the state police fire marshal is still working to determine the cause.