DETROIT (WWJ) - Multiple people and their pets are left to salvage what is left of their belongings after a raging fire ripped through a two-story duplex Wednesday morning.
WWJ's Charlie Langton reported live from the scene on Illinois Street, near Mack and Mt. Elliott on the city's lower east side, where authorities were assessing the home.
"It's not a good morning for a number of people here," Langton said. "In fact, a very sad story."
Resident George O'Neill, 69, told Langton that he lived in the house with his dog, Bullet, for the last two months. The last thing he expected to see at 4 a.m. on Wednesday was flames engulfing his home.
"When I woke up, it was flames all around me, all around me," he told Langton.
O'Neill and the other residents with their pets were able to make it out of the burning duplex safely. Fire officials said no injuries were reported.
Once the fire was extinguished, authorities deemed the home a total loss, leaving tenants scrambling for a new place to live.
The cause of the fire remains unknown as this time. An investigation is ongoing, Langton said.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to WWJ LIVE for the latest updates.
