Fryer-caused fire in Las Vegas claims second victim
A 35-year-old woman died Saturday from injuries suffered in a fire that broke out after a deep fryer was knocked over in her southeast valley home.
Pronounced dead was Claudia Parga, who was identified as the wife of Leopoldo Rodriguez, who died two days after the blaze, according to the Clark County coroner's office.
The fire began at 11 a.m. Sept. 23 on Reeder Circle, near Hacienda Avenue and Maryland Parkway.
Clark County Coroner Michael Murphy said Rodriguez died from complications of thermal injuries.
The exact cause of Parga's death was still not certain, Murphy said.
"She hasn't been seen by a physician in our office yet," he said.
Two children from the family were taken to University Medical Center after the fire, which spread through the house after a deep fryer was toppled over an open flame. The children's conditions were not available Saturday night.
The fire spread quickly and reached as high as the attic, according to fire officials.
The damage estimate was $40,000. The Southern Nevada Chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting the family, which was displaced by the fire.
Contact reporter Tom Ragan at tragan@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5512.
