Homes demolished after deadly multi-alarm house fire in Philadelphia's Olney section
Officials say one body has been found, 4 people were injured and 12 people have been displaced
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Fire investigators are working to determine what sparked a late-night blaze in Philadelphia's Olney neighborhood that left one man dead, displaced a dozen people, and raised questions among neighbors about who was living inside the duplex.
The fire broke out around 11:30 p.m. Sunday in the 100 block of Roosevelt Boulevard, where flames quickly engulfed the structure behind Amir Oliver's home.
"It was just flames. Flames." Oliver said.
Oliver said the intensity of the fire was unmistakable.
"I drove through. You could feel it. It's hot! Next thing you know, you start hearing popping," he said.
Fire crews battled the blaze as it worsened.
"They were trying to put it out, and it just kept getting worse and worse and worse," Oliver added.
According to First Deputy Fire Commissioner Carl Randolph, several people were rescued from the building.
"There were several people who were rescued from this fire they were transferred between the temple and Einstein. It seems like everybody was in stable condition," he said.
In addition to those rescued, an EMT was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.
As firefighters searched the remains of the duplex, they discovered the body of a man inside.
Neighbors expressed grief over the loss.
Marchella Sweinton said the tragedy hit close to home.
"I feel really sad about that. Especially because I have an experience of losing a child in a fire, so it's really kind of sad," she said.
By late morning, crews had demolished the heavily damaged structure.
Neighbors said they believed one side of the duplex was occupied, while the other may have been vacant and possibly used by squatters.
"One side was abandoned, the other side people did live in. I'm not sure if it was an apartment building or a house," Oliver said.
Officials said 12 people were displaced by the fire.
Investigators have not yet identified the man who died and are continuing to examine the cause and origin of the blaze.
Late Monday afternoon, the Philadelphia Fire Department sent an update to Action News stating, "The Fire Marshall's Office is investigating and the Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. Tonight three of those injured have been released from the hospital and one remains hospitalized."
The statement also expressed gratitude to partner agencies that helped respond to the fire.
