A man initially escaped a house fire Friday night in Braddock but died after going back inside to retrieve his belongings, according to Allegheny County Emergency Services.
A duplex on Elm Street was fully engulfed when first responders arrived about 7 p.m., an Eastern Regional Mon Valley police officer said.
“Emergency crews responded within minutes of receiving the call and found the home heavily involved in fire,” said Kasey Reigner, a spokesperson for the Allegheny County Department of Emergency Services. “Initial reports indicate that the occupant safely exited the residence but reentered the burning structure in an attempt to retrieve personal belongings.”
The man was later found inside and pronounced dead at the scene, Reigner said.
His name has not been released.
The fire was determined to be accidental and caused by improperly extinguished smoking materials, Reigner said.
