LEE — A 57-year-old mother was killed when she was unable to escape her burning home on Lee Valley Road Monday night.

State Police at Oneida said Oneida County 911 received a call from an occupant of 5357 Lee Valley Road at 9:31 p.m. stating that her house was on fire. Troopers, along with members of Lee Center Fire Department, responded and when they arrived on the scene, found the house engulfed in flames.

A preliminary investigation determined that Carley A. Reed, 20, was able to escape the burning residence and alerted 911 that her mother, Loretta J. Reed, was still inside and bedridden due to an illness. 

Troopers said Carley began yelling for help after escaping from the home and two men, who were passing by, heard her screams and noticed the flames. They both stopped and ran into the house to assist troopers with pulling Loretta outside. She was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene, troopers said. Carley was not injured.

The Office of Fire Prevention and Control responded to the scene and determined that an overloaded circuit containing an air conditioner, TV, and oxygen compressor, coupled with oxygen tanks used by the victim, sparked an immediate and intense flash fire where the victim was located. Troopers said the fire appears accidental, and the investigation continues.

Taberg and Westernville fire departments assisted.