Victim in Cambridge apartment fire dies, despite the efforts of Good Samaritan

A woman who was injured in a fire at a Cambridge apartment building on Tuesday has died from her injuries.

The 77-year-old’s family told CTV News she passed away early Wednesday morning but did not want her name released to the public. She was described as generous and kind, and her family said they’re devastated by the death.

Firefighters were called to the Margaret Street apartment complex for a kitchen fire around 5 p.m.

Firefighters inside an apartment at 665 Margaret Street in Cambridge on Dec. 17, 2024. (Source: Tyler Coffen)

John Cobban, who lives the building, said the hallway was filled with heavy smoke. He then noticed that it was coming from his neighbour’s apartment.

“I heard a lady screaming,” he told CTV News. “I ran into there and I saw her. She was laying on the ground.”

Cobban immediately ran over to help his neighbour and douse the flames.

“Her arm was on fire and the rest of the clothes were all burned,” he said. “I got water, put it in pots and put it on her and got the fire out. I helped her, pulled her away from the fire location and then I put out the fire on the stove.”

John Cobban, who tried to save his neighbour during a fire at a Cambridge apartment building, on Dec. 18, 2024. (Heather Senoran/CTV News)

Cambridge Fire said the flames didn’t spread to the neighbouring units thanks to Cobban’s quick actions.

The woman, however, had serious burns. She was taken to hospital where she died the following day.

The victim’s family said they’re grateful for Cobban’s efforts, especially going back into the building to console the woman while they waited for the arrival of emergency services.

“People [were] telling me, don’t go back in, and I said: ‘I’m going in,’” Cobban explained. “[I wanted to] make her as comfortable as possible under this situation. And it’s a real emotional situation because this person is a very nice person.”

Firefighters at the scene of an apartment fire at 665 Margaret Street in Cambridge on Dec. 17, 2024. (Source: Tyler Coffen)

He said he saw the woman almost every day.

“[She] seemed to have a lot of friends around here. She like to do things and [has a] good family. I met the family [Tuesday] night at the hospital. They were really nice people.”

Other residents said they were also saddened by the loss.