A fire on Tuesday morning claimed the life of one Pana resident.  At 12:27 A.M. on Tuesday, Jan 16, 2024, Pana Fire was dispatched to 1 Cherokee St in Pana for a fully involved structure fire with two people still inside. Fire units arrived to find a single-story home and garage on fire with 1 person reported still inside. Firefighters advanced lines to the area where the victim was reported to be by family. Unable to locate the victim from a small window, Command called for entry to be made through the wall. Battling heavy smoke and fire, firefighters removed a section of the outside wall and were able to locate the victim and remove her from the structure.  She was pronounced dead at the scene.  

Christian Coroner Amy Winans identified the female as Kristy L. Clutter, 51, of Pana.  An autopsy will be held on Wednesday in Bloomington.  The two other occupants of the home were both transported to Springfield hospitals. The gas meter on the structure had burned off and the gas was feeding the fire so firefighters continued to fight the fire until Ameren arrived and dug up the service at the main to shut it down. Because of the location outside of the city, a water shuttle had to be used for water supply.

The fire is still being investigated by the Pana Fire Dept and the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Pana Fire was assisted in “0” degree temperature and 12 mph winds by Tower Hill, Owaneco, Oconee, and Assumption Fire Depts. Echo Response, Assumption Ambulance, Pana Police Dept., Christian County Sheriff's Dept, and the Christian County Coroner’s Office.