A tragic fire on Sunday night in Lindale has resulted in the deaths of a mother and daughter, with authorities launching an investigation into the incident. The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the inquiry into the blaze that engulfed a brick home in the 400 block of North College Street.
According to Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue, the call reporting the fire came in at 10:18 p.m. on March 17, 2024. The Lindale Fire Department responded to the scene and sought assistance from the Smith County Fire Marshal's Office to investigate the cause.
The victims have been identified as Ruby Martinez, who was due to celebrate her 84th birthday on March 20, and her daughter, Gloria Clark, aged 67. Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Curtis Wulf confirmed the fatalities and ordered autopsies for both women.
Emergency Services District 2 also provided support, with two engines and a battalion chief aiding in extinguishing the fire. The home suffered a total loss due to the blaze.
The investigation is ongoing.
