NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Deputies are investigating after a man was found dead following a fire at an apartment complex in North Lauderdale.
Multiple apartments were scorched and heavily damaged by smoke Wednesday after raging flames were seen shooting from inside a second floor unit that trapped a man and left him dead in his bedroom.
“He was in a wheelchair, and I know he was in there. My sister saw him,” said one neighbor.
The fire ignited Wednesday, just before 8 a.m., at a complex off Southwest 81st Avenue in North Lauderdale.
“The fire exploded,” said a neighbor.
The victim’s apartment was fully engulfed.
“He was trying to get out, and I’m yelling to somebody to come help, and we couldn’t get him out,” said a neighbor.
Other residents quickly evacuated, as first responders battled the blaze.
“I heard banging on the door. I was sleeping, and then there’s this banging on the door. They’re saying, ‘Sheriff’s office, everyone out,'” a resident said.
After an hour, the fire was put out, and the building charred from the outside.
“The third floor and fourth floor both show some signs of fire in their patio or exterior of their building,” said North Lauderdale City Manager Michael Sardis. “The first floor probably has some water damage as well from the fire.”
As residents tried to figure what happened, they’re heartbroken to know one of their neighbors won’t be coming back home.
“I just passed him. I just know he liked to listen to his music. He always had his headphones in, listening to music. He just stayed to himself,” said a neighbor.
The victim has not been identified.
The cause of fire remains under investigation.
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