A faulty electrical cord running behind and under a couch probably caused a fire that killed a young Santa Clara girl and left three others in critical condition Sunday, a fire official said today.
There was no evidence of a working smoke detector in the apartment at 854 Bing Ave., Santa Clara, which was occupied by five residents and three visitors when the fire broke out early Sunday morning.
Killed in the blaze was 7-year-old Cindy Bui, Santa Clara Fire Department spokesman Dave Parker said. She was the fourth person this year whose death was attributed fire in the city of Santa Clara.
Tiffany Bui, Dung Bui and a third person whose name was being withheld until relatives could be notified were listed in critical condition Kaiser Santa Teresa Hospital in San Jose and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose. Parker did not know the ages of the three or their relationship with Cindy.
Parker said the 2:28 a.m. fire in Unit No. 2 of the four-unit apartment complex was ruled accidental.
Of the three other units in the building, one was vacant, one was undamaged and one was water-damaged.