Friday House Fire Kills Man & Juvenile in Holt Community
A house fire in Holt has claimed two lives, including a juvenile, according to the Violent Crimes Unit.
The VCU investigates almost all deaths outside a hospital setting in Tuscaloosa County, and their involvement in a case does not necessarily indicate suspicion of foul play.
VCU co-commander Captain Marty Sellers said the Tuscaloosa Fire Department and Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office responded to the blaze, with the VCU and TFD Fire Marshal called in later to investigate, as is standard protocol for fatal fires.
The house was in the 1900 block of 40th Avenue Northeast.
Sellers said the fire appeared to have started in the kitchen and killed two males, one adult and one juvenile.
Holly Whigham, a spokeswoman for TFR, confirmed the news Saturday morning.
"Shortly after 9:30 p.m., Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue responded to the report of a residential structure fire in the 40th Avenue area. Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy fire and smoke coming from the residence. Firefighters quickly initiated an interior attack and search of the home, where they located two victims," she said. "Tragically, both individuals lost their lives as a result of the fire. Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue extends its heartfelt condolences to the victims’ family and loved ones during this difficult time. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No additional information is available for release at this time."
The two victims have not been publicly identified. Sellers said the investigation is ongoing.
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