One person died in a residential fire Saturday, Oct. 24, in the Pinewood area of Clarendon County, where investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the fire and death.
Clarendon County Fire Rescue responded to the 3000 block of Bomar Trail at approximately 10:30 a.m. after receiving a report of a structure fire. According to Fire Rescue, the initial dispatch indicated the structure was already on the ground when the call was received.
A caretaker at the scene told firefighters that someone was inside the residence. Crews searched the remains of the structure and located an electric wheelchair that the caretaker said was used by the occupant.
Human remains were subsequently discovered, prompting notification of the Clarendon County Coroner’s Office. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division was also called to assist with the investigation, according to Fire Rescue.
In a separate news release issued Sunday, the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that an individual was inside the residence at the time of the fire and did not survive.
The identity of the deceased has not been confirmed, and authorities have not released information about the cause of the fire or whether foul play is suspected.
The Sheriff’s Office said the circumstances surrounding the fire and death remain under investigation, with assistance from Clarendon County Fire Rescue and SLED.
The Manning Times has requested additional information about the deceased from the Clarendon County Coroner’s Office and is awaiting a response.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist investigators is asked to contact the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office at 803-435-4414 or its tip line at 803-433-8477.
Authorities said additional information will be released as the investigation permits.
