DonnaLee Saleh Killed in Spring Grove Explosion and House Fire

Unsafe Premises - December 24, 2025

DonnaLee Saleh, 86, Died in Spring Grove Explosion and Fire at Single-Family Home on Sixth Avenue

SPRING GROVE, ILLINOIS (December 24, 2025) – An 86-year-old woman identified as DonnaLee Saleh has tragically died in a Spring Grove residential fire at a property on Sixth Avenue.

McHenry County officials are saying that the incident took place around noon on Friday. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene after getting reports of an explosion and subsequent fire at the property.

DonnaLee Saleh was extricated from the home with smoke inhalation injuries and thermal burns. Sadly, she did not survive the serious nature of her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Paramedics transported a 55-year-old woman to the Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. She was later transported to another hospital with a specialized unit for helping patients with burn injuries.

A 52-year-old man living on the second floor of the home was able to extricate himself. An investigation into the cause of the explosion and subsequent fire that killed DonnaLee Saleh remains ongoing.

Liability for Spring Grove Residential Fires

Depending on the facts of any case, there could be numerous sources of liability for a home explosion and fire. In particular, natural gas leaks remain one of the leading causes of residential explosions and fires. If a home fire was started as a result of a natural gas leak, the gas company that was servicing the home could bear some liability for an explosion. There are many ways that a gas company could have been negligent in this context.

• A gas company may have failed to address deteriorating infrastructure that contributed to a leak.
• A gas company may have utilized faulty pressure regulators or meters.
• A gas company may have failed to respond promptly to reports of a gas leak.
• A gas company may have conducted an improper installation or repair of equipment.

Gas companies have a legal obligation to maintain all of their premises and equipment in a reasonably safe condition. When they have actual or constructive notice of a dangerous condition with their property or infrastructure, they must take action. Failing to take action prior to a residential fire could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are many other additional sources of liability for a residential fire. This could include the company that manufactured devices with lithium-ion batteries. These devices are responsible for hundreds of explosions and fires every year.

Steps to Take After Spring Grove Residential Fires

Residential fires remain one of the leading causes of preventable injury and death in the United States. According to the National Fire Protection Association, “During this five-year period [from 2019 to 2023], US fire departments responded to an estimated average of 328,590 home structure fires per year. These fires caused an annual average of 2,600 civilian deaths; 10,770 civilian fire injuries; and $8.9 billion in direct property damage.” Certain steps should be taken after any home fire that results in injury or death.

• Medical Records: All of the medical records related to the incident should be collected and preserved. They can help paint a picture of what happened.
• Evidence Preservation: All of the evidence associated with any fire should be carefully reviewed. In particular, the source of the fire should be determined.
• Legal Review: Any person affected by a residential fire should take time to consider all of their options with the legal team experienced in tort claims.

The vast majority of residential fires are preventable. In many situations, they may involve multiple liable parties. Gas companies, consumer product companies, property owners and their insurance providers will often do everything in their power to deny liability when someone is seriously injured or killed in a home fire. This is why it is so important for victims to seek an independent review of the fire and its potential causes.

Investigating Spring Grove Residential Fires

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of DonnaLee Saleh. It is our sincere hope that the other victims will be able to make full recoveries. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong so that similar incidents can be prevented. Any person that may have more information should reach out to investigators.

Do you need more information about a Spring Grove residential fire? Our team of accident investigators is here for you. We are committed to helping victims of residential fires understand their rights and protecting those rights through skilled advocacy. Whether you just have legal questions or need any other type of support, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.