HOLLYWOOD, FLA. (WSVN) - Hollywood Fire Rescue said one person is dead after they responded to a duplex fire Monday morning and now several departments are investigating.
Firefighters arrived at the structure along the 1700 block of Dewey Street just after 5:30 a.m. where heavy smoke was seen in the back of a single unit. Crews were able to contain the flame to the one unit.
At the scene, fire crews found someone inside the affected home and transported them to the hospital in critical condition. Officials confirmed around 9 a.m. that the victim succumbed to their injuries.
“The fire department did respond and they did find one victim and they transported to Memorial Regional Hospital where unfortunately they did succumb to their wounds,” said a fire official.
Neighbors in the area told 7News that the man in the apartment was in his 50s.
According to friends of the victim, who identified him as 58-year-old Martin “Marty” Harris, they said he was a regular at a nearby pub, a kind man and was an avid pool player. They said Harris was recently in a car accident and they believe it’s possible he wasn’t able to physically escape the burning apartment.
Police have not confirm the identity of the deceased individual.
“Due to the severity of this incident, the Hollywood Police Department is investigating this currently right now alongside [Hollywood Fire Rescue] and the state fire inspector is also here investigating this,” said Hollywood Police Department Officer Christian Lata. “At this time, we’re asking if anyone’s in the area and saw anything that happened or has any additional information to please come forward.”
The power has been cut off in the duplex since the incident occurred, affecting the additional family that lives in the duplex. The Red Cross arrived Monday afternoon to help them.
Please check back on WSVN.com and 7News for more details on this developing story.
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