PINE HILLS, Fla. – A 13-year-old boy died in an explosion and house fire in Pine Hills that firefighters said displaced seven, including three children.
Orange County Fire Rescue responded Saturday around 10:54 p.m. to the 1600 block of Roger Babson Road, arriving to find flames burning 50% of a house, according to updates on social media. Residents told firefighters that one person was still inside, prompting a rapid search and fire attack, the posts state. The victim – later identified as Westephaly Charles – was found dead, according to the fire department.
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“Upon dispatch, we were immediately notified that there had been an explosion in the home,” said OCFR Assistant Chief Antonio Demings.
The fire was out by 12:20 a.m. Sunday, firefighters said, adding the Red Cross assisted four adults and three children whom the fire displaced.
No other injuries were reported, firefighters said.
The state fire marshal has been notified to investigate what caused the fire, according to the posts.
This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.
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