Mother and son die in house fire in Smithtown.

A tragic house fire in Smithtown, Long Island, claimed the lives of a mother and her son on Sunday afternoon, according to local authorities. The deceased were identified as Christine Lehmann, 52, and her 25-year-old son, Nicholas Lehmann. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene, with police initially refraining from disclosing their identities until family members were informed.

The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. at a residence located at 178 Fifty Acre Rd. South in the St. James area of Smithtown, approximately 50 miles east of Manhattan. Firefighters who rushed to the scene encountered intense flames erupting from the windows and discovered the Lehmanns trapped inside the two-story home. St. James Fire Department’s First Assistant Chief Daniel Keegan described the situation, noting a significant fire load on both levels of the house.

Efforts to rescue the trapped individuals were met with considerable challenges. The fire response involved approximately 80 firefighters from eight different fire departments, who took nearly two hours to bring the blaze under control. The Nesconset Fire Department expressed their condolences, emphasizing the difficulty of the situation for the affected family and community.

Ronald Montagna, 91, the homeowner, was hospitalized due to smoke inhalation and burns. According to neighbors and tenants, Montagna had been renting out rooms in his home to help manage expenses since the loss of his wife several years ago. Christine Lehmann, who had been living in the residence for just a few months, was described by fellow tenant Anthony Capasso as a hardworking individual who was well-liked among the residents. Capasso, along with another tenant, 63-year-old Steven McNally, lamented the loss of their belongings and conveyed their shock at the tragic event.

Local authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire. While they have not ruled out any possibilities, initial reports suggest that the circumstances surrounding the blaze do not appear to be criminal in nature. As the community grapples with this profound loss, support for those affected is growing, with neighbors and fellow residents seeking to provide assistance during this extremely difficult time. The loss of life in this tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers posed by residential fires and the importance of fire safety measures.

Media News Source