Resident dies in explosion and resulting blaze

The Office of the State Fire Marshal will determine the cause of an explosion and fire that claimed the life of a St Augustine resident this afternoon in a neighborhood near the intersection of Cincinnati Avenue and First Street uptown.

Historic City News is awaiting results from a postmortem examination of the charred remains before the identity of the victim can be confirmed. St Augustine Police public information officer Mark Samson told reporters that it was not possible to determine the victim’s race or sex.

Others living in the structure, located at 20 First Street, were evacuated and will not be allowed to return to their apartments until smoke and fire damage can be repaired.

Police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel arrived soon after the explosion; but, it was too late to rescue the resident of the downstairs apartment. No other injuries were reported but there is significant property damage.