DETROIT (WXYZ) — Investigators are still trying to determine how a man’s body caught fire, while he was inside his own home.
Witnesses say, the man raced out of his house in his final moments with most of his body burning. So far, the man’s identity hasn’t been released.
Witness Pamela Calmese says, “The man was running up and down the street. Someone said get some water.”
Another witness, Kayla Gardner tells us, “He was smoking in the man’s driveway. They put water on him and he was smoking. Everybody was outside screaming for help.”
The chaotic scene unfolded at about 4:15 pm, outside the home on Asbury Park near Greenfield and W. McNichols.
“They used our rug on him to put the fire out. He was still smoking. Just laying on the ground” says Gardner.
Firefighters confirm the trouble began in the basement of the 38-year-old man’s home. A neighbor fears a faulty furnace may have been to blame.
The ATF, Detroit Police and DTE are all participating in the investigation.
Family members of the victim are declining comment.
