Although several people attempted to call authorities to the scene, their telephones were not working. It was later determined that someone cut the telephone lines for the entire street. As reported by Unsolved Murders, authorities believe the lines were cut by the same person who set the fire.
Katie Salvini said she was unable to reach Emily Salvini’s room as the fire was too intense. However, as she and Zach Salvini were sleeping in the same room, they were able to escape together through a window with the help of several neighbors. Nevertheless, Katie and Zach both suffered burns, which required several weeks of treatment at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.
Unsolved Murders reports Emily died before firefighters were able to make it to her room. Her official cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning related to smoke inhalation. As the phone lines were deliberately cut on the same night the fire was set, authorities determined it was “a calculated and pre-planned attack.”
