CHICAGO (WLS) — Tragedy struck on Friday afternoon when a fire claimed the life of a man on Chicago’s Northwest Side, according to official reports.
ABC7 has confirmed that the deceased was a cherished veteran known in the local community. The landlord’s husband recounted the heroic efforts of fellow residents who attempted to rescue him.
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The fire erupted at approximately 2:56 p.m. in a basement apartment on the 3000 block of West George Street, situated near Logan Square and Avondale, as reported by Chicago fire officials.
Authorities identified the victim as a 75-year-old man who suffered severe burns. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Chicago police.
“The tenants on the first floor, right above the basement, detected the smoke,” explained Gabriel Clarito, the landlord’s husband.
The bitter cold now envelops a scene of sorrow as the blaze forced residents to evacuate into the freezing temperatures, highlighting the community’s profound loss.
“They saw smoke was coming out of the side window,” Clarito said. “So, they tried to open the door and smoke came out. I think that’s when they called police… They tried to scream out, but there was just so much smoke.”
Clarito says his wife owns the building where the victim, who he says was a veteran, lived alone in the basement unit for years.
Police were also called to the scene to investigate while firefighters braved the coldest temperatures of the season to quickly put out the flames, leaving a hollowed home behind with lingering questions.
“There are so many things to think of, but for someone to pass away on a day like this, it’s hard to say,” Clarito said.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Officer has yet to identify the man who died while a cause of the fire remains under investigation.
No further information was immediately available.
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