Fatal Fire In Northern Cumberland
Published 1:30 pm Friday, March 21, 2014
CUMBERLAND — Virginia State Police have confirmed that there was one fatality, believed to be a 58 year-old disabled male, at the scene of a mobile home fire at Carneal Court on U.S. Route 45 North in northern Cumberland County on Thursday afternoon, March 20.
Special Agent R. Allen Cox of the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, told The Herald Thursday afternoon that the cause of the fire is considered accidental at this time.
A 30 year-old woman, believed to be the daughter of the deceased, was taken from the scene of the fire to Centra Southside Community Hospital and then flown to the University of Virginia hospital in Charlottesville, according to American Red Cross officials and state police.
Neighbors report that she repeatedly tried to rescue the deceased.
She is currently being treated for severe smoke inhalation, according to Cox.
The woman’s small child also lived in the home, but was on the school bus during the time of the fire, according to Ginger Weaver, specialist for the Red Cross. The child is with family at this time, she told The Herald.
Bradley Ingle, incident commander and deputy chief of Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department, reported that when crews first arrived at the scene of the fire there was heavy smoke and half of the trailer was fully involved. Cartersville, Cumberland and Powhatan Company Five volunteer fire departments responded to the fire, as well as state police and Cartersville Volunteer Rescue Squad.
The body has not yet been positively identified. It will be sent to the medical examiner’s office in Richmond for identification on Friday, March 21, according to Cox.
The Red Cross is assisting with immediate needs for the family.
The American Red Cross is currently seeking volunteers in Cumberland and Prince Edward counties to help with assisting families in need. Those interested in volunteering should contact Weaver at (434)476.5148.
The Herald will continue to provide details on this story as they become available.