Father and son dead in southside fire
A father and son are dead tonight following a fire at 29 East Canal this evening. Eighty year old Mario Aguilar, the owner of the building, and forty-five year old Lucho Aguilar, died in the blaze, which claimed the upper flat of the cement structure. Assistant Fire Chief, Ted Smith, says his department received the call shortly before 6:00.
Ted Smith, Assistant Fire Chief
“The first truck that arrived on the scene found the building already engulfed in flames. This fire was already in the open stage, it was burning through the building and they understood that people were trapped, even before we arrived on the scene, the caller informed us that people were still inside the building. On arrival, the fire had already fully developed. We commit three men immediately inside, but they were unable to save these people.”
Marion Ali
“Are there any indications at this very early stage why these two men couldn’t escape?”
Ted Smith
“No ma’am, there is no indication at this time.”
Marion Ali
“Any indications what might have caused this blaze?”
Ted Smith
“No, it’s too early to say that now, the investigation has not even begun, we’re still mopping up situation, trying to ensure that all hotspots are out. But we are aware and confirm two deaths, one is still inside the building, one is out. That’s the situation at this time.”
News 5 understands Lucho Aguilar was already out of the burning building when he realized that his father was still inside. However, he too apparently got trapped inside and perished.
