Monday, December 23, 2024

Norwegian Township Fire Claims One Life, Investigation Underway

A man died in a fire Sunday evening in Norwegian Township.

The dispatch for the fire came in around 5:30pm for a report of a house fire at 315 Minersville Street in Seltzer, Norwegian Township.

Minersville Fire Chief Eric Eichenberg was first to arrive and reported a well involved fire in the rear of a half double home.

A 2nd alarm was dispatched as well as the tanker task force.

Firefighters were advised to evacuate the home during initial searches due to heavy fire.  During secondary searches, it was reported that there was hoarding in the home slowing their efforts.

Around 6:45pm, Chief Eichenberg requested an immediate response from a Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal as well as the Schuylkill County Coroner's Office after a body was found inside the home at 313 Minersville Street.

On Monday afternoon, Schuylkill County Coroner David Moylan said he was not ready to release the identity of the male victim because the next of kin has not been notified.  Coroner Moylan reported that a virtual autopsy was scheduled for Monday afternoon on the victim.

The American Red Cross reports that 2 adults and their 7 pets were safe from the connected home at 315 Minersville Street.  

The Pennsylvania State Police are leading the investigation into the fire and the death.