SOUTH BEND — A single particular person is dead soon after a home explosion and fireplace in the 200 block of North Kenmore Avenue Thursday early morning.
Neighbors called 911 just after hearing a loud pop and looking at flames coming from the home just just before 11 a.m.
“I heard screaming from my neighbor across the road and then I listened to a pop,” said Norma Blackmon, who lives two residences down. “When I ran outside, I noticed almost nothing but flames.”
A relatives member at the scene Thursday afternoon verified the loss of life of 1 male occupant of the home.
It truly is unclear what led to the hearth and explosion. The household is one block west of the Charles Black Community Centre.
South Bend firefighters observed “weighty smoke and fire” on the front aspect of the a single-tale residence, in accordance to a launch from the fireplace division. One particular person died in the fire and no just one else was wounded.
Firefighters had extinguished the fireplace by 1 p.m. and were on the scene investigating Thursday afternoon.
The majority of injury from the blast and flames surface to be on the south aspect of the home, with windows on the front of the household blown out and wood beams exposed.
A female who determined herself as the victim’s sister said her brother lived on your own at the residence and initial moved to Kenmore Street around 12 many years ago.
Blackmon, who moved to the neighborhood a few decades back, mentioned the male was beloved by neighbors for his warm and welcoming temperament.
“He was always sweet and often had a good term for a particular person,” she claimed. “If you were being obtaining a bad working day, he may possibly not even know it, but he gave you a little something excellent for that working day. Which is what I am heading to keep in mind him on.”
Wesley Lee, an additional spouse and children friend who was at Kenmore Street Thursday, mentioned the gentleman was effectively-recognized and respected in the community.
“He experienced a massive individuality,” Lee stated. “He built an effect on everyone that he came in contact with.”