An early morning house fire Friday claimed the life of a Maunie man according to the White County Sheriff’s Department.
62 year old Robert Grant was pronounced dead at the scene by the White County Coroner’s Office.
At 4:17 am, White County Dispatch received a call about a fire at 246 Wabash Street. The White County Ambulance Service, Carmi Fire Department, and White County Sheriff’s Office all responded. Grant was still inside the home when first responders arrived, and Fire Chief Larry Hite confirmed to deputies that his body had been found.
Grant’s wife, Dawn was able to escape the blaze unharmed. She reported hearing an explosion that may have been an oxygen tank used by Grant.
The cause of the fire at this time is unknown. Illinois State Police Crime Scene technicians processed the scene and the fire is being investigated by the Illinois State Fire Marshall’s office.
