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Woman Killed In Bloomington Fire

UPDATED 2:27 p.m. | A woman and two cats died Thursday night in a fire in Bloomington. Michelle R. Hanson, 45, died of carbon monoxide poisoning from inhaling smoke, according to McLean County Coroner Kathy Yoder.

Yoder said in a press release there was no sign of altercation, assault, or infection. Toxiciology tests are pending. 

The Bloomington Fire Department confirmed Hanson's death on social media overnight.

Firefighters were called to the 500 block of Kreitzer Avenue around 7:45 p.m., after a neighbor reported smoke and flames coming from the building. Kreitzer is located off of East Oakland Avenue near Oakland Elementary School.

Crews found heavy fire damage near the kitchen. They were able to extinguish the flames and search the home, where the found the woman unconscious. Attempts at resuscitation were unsuccessful. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but is presumed to be an accident.

The Normal Fire Department assisted with the response.

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Dana Vollmer is a reporter with WGLT. Dana previously covered the state Capitol for NPR Illinois and Peoria for WCBU.