House fire in Chester County kills 93-year-old man, injures son

UWCHLAN TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- A Chester County community is grieving after a house fire early Sunday morning claimed the life of a 93-year-old man and left his son hospitalized.

The fire broke out around 5:30 a.m. at a home in the 700 block of Taylor Road in Uwchlan Township.

Two men were inside the residence at the time. One managed to escape, but the other was trapped and died in the blaze.

Family members identified the victims as James Snodgrass, 93, who was killed, and his 59-year-old son Robert, who was seriously injured and remains hospitalized.

"There was flaming ash coming into our yard over there," said neighbor Sarah Williams, who captured video of the fire while running toward the scene.

Williams said she was awakened by a loud banging on her door around 5:30 a.m. but didn't immediately realize what was happening.

Uwchlan Township police responded quickly, followed by the Lionville Fire Company and other neighboring fire agencies.

In the aftermath, residents have rallied around the family, offering support and helping search for the family's missing cat, Buttons.

Stephanie Falcone, a neighbor, said she didn't know James Snodgrass well but remembered his kindness.

"He would get kernels and feed the deer out of his hand," Falcone said, recalling how her children would watch him feed wildlife while waiting for the school bus.

The Chester County fire marshal is investigating the cause and origin of the fire, including whether there were working smoke detectors in the home.

In response to the tragedy, the Lionville Fire Department urged residents to double-check their smoke detectors to ensure they are functioning properly.