House fire claims life of 78-year-old woman in Richer, Man.

RCMP say one person is dead and another is in hospital following a house fire in rural Manitoba.

Mounties from the Steinbach detachment were called to a house fire on Dawson Road in Richer around 8:30 p.m. on Monday, a police news release said.

The community's fire department was battling the blaze, and paramedics were also there when RCMP arrived.

Officers learned one person was unaccounted for, and despite efforts made by emergency responders, a 78-year-old woman was pronounced dead, police said.

A 14-year-old boy escaped the fire and was taken by STARS air ambulance to hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation and minor injuries.

Steinbach RCMP continue to investigate.

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