Fourteen Year Old Dies In Early Morning House Fire in Madison

Fire under investigation by State Fire Marshal

Several public safety agencies are investigating the tragic death of 14-year-old Dulce Cristal Martinez-Ortiz.

Shortly after 7:20 a.m. this morning, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Hanover Police Department, Madison Township Fire Department, Hanover Fire Department, and Rykers Ridge Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 3403 W. River Birch Drive, Lot 51.

Ariana Ortiz-Roblero and two smaller children escaped the fire with minor injuries. Ortiz-Roblero broke out the window to the bedroom where Martinez-Ortiz was located, but she was unable to reach the victim due to the intensity of the fire. Responding deputies, officers, and firefighters also attempted rescue efforts, but could not reach Martinez-Ortiz. Sadly, she died at the scene.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Jefferson County Coroner's Office, Madison Township Fire Department, and the Indiana State Fire Marshal's Office are investigating the cause of the fire and the cause of death. Anyone with information is asked to call the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office 812-265-6089.