Man found dead in burning car in Southwest Philadelphia

SOUTHWEST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police are investigating a gruesome discovery after a man was found dead inside of a burning car in Southwest Philadelphia.

A passer-by called police just after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 4700 block of Fort Mifflin Road about a half mile from Enterprise Avenue.

Officials arrived on the scene to find the black Honda 2-door coupe fully engulfed in flames.

Inside the male victim was found in the front driver's side with the seat reclined back.

"Fully charred - at this point we can't tell the circumstances of the incident, obviously no cameras here and we have no witnesses at this point," said Lt. Johnny Walker, Philadelphia Police.

The scene is near the perimeter fence of Philadelphia International Airport.

"Pretty limited access road - I mean it's public access but it's limited use by people," said Lt. Walker.

Sources tell Action News that the car is registered to someone who lives in South Philadelphia.

The victim's identity has not been released.

"They did find a gas can in the trunk of the car and, from the Fire Marshal investigation, they said clearly an accelerant was used to burn - it was very hot. And not only was water used, they had to use foam to put this fire out," said Lt. Walker.

The medical examiner is working to determined how the man died before being set on fire.

Police have no witnesses, motives or suspects but are questioning the victim's relatives.