(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — An 85-year-old man died Wednesday after his home in Joliet Township caught fire following a lightning strike.
Firefighters responded around 6:15 a.m. to reports of a burning home in the 700 block of Miami Street. Crews were told that a man was inside, but they encountered numerous obstacles that made searching the residence difficult, according to fire officials.
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After extinguishing the flames, firefighters went back inside the home and located the man, identified in reports as Raymond Ziegler, inside a bathroom.
Officials say it appears Ziegler suffered smoke inhalation and died. An autopsy will determine an exact cause of death.
Fire crews from Lockport, New Lenox, Elwood and Manhattan all responded to the scene to provide mutual aid.
The fire remains under investigation.
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