CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Fire crews are investigating an early morning fire that left a man dead Wednesday in north Charlotte.
The flames broke out around 3:15 a.m. on Edison Street, near North Graham Street and Woodward Avenue. When firefighters got to the scene, they said flames could be seen coming from the house.
Crews learned that a man was inside the home and firefighters were able to pull him out. The victim was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, firefighters said.
A few hours later, family members told Channel 9 reporter Anthony Kustura that the man had died. Officials have not released his name.
Neighbors who spoke to Channel 9 described hearing a loud “pop” and when they stepped outside they saw flames shooting from the home about 30 to 40 feet high. They also said the house had lost power on Tuesday and when it was restored, the fire started.
Investigators have not collaborated that but did say the cause of the fire was accidental.
“I heard this popping noise. It was like 10 times, pop, pop, pop,” said Douglas Boyd. “As I was driving my car out, I was blowing the horn ... but he never responded. I knew he was in there but I didn’t know where he was located at inside. I couldn’t go through the front door because there was fire coming out the front. He was always doing something in the neighborhood with the kids, he was a great guy. Great.”
The Charlotte Fire Department said 23 firefighters were able to control the blaze in about 20 minutes. The fire triggered a large response from several local agencies, including CMPD and MEDIC.
No other information has been released.
This is an ongoing investigation. Check back with wsoctv.com for more information.
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