Man dead after raging fire engulfs East Brookfield home

A man who used a wheelchair to get around was killed in a raging fire that engulfed an East Brookfield home Early Thursday morning, authorities said.

Emergency crews responding to 911 calls for a fire at 234 West Main Street just after 3:30 a.m. found heavy smoke and flames shooting from the roof of a single-family home, East Brookfield Fire Chief David Messier, East Brookfield Police Chief Joseph Lazarick, State Fire Marshal Jon Davine and Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early said in a joint press release.

When firefighters entered the home to attack the flames, they located the man and rushed him outside, where he was pronounced dead. His name has not been released.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will attempt to determine the official cause and manner of his death.

“On behalf of the East Brookfield Fire Department, I would like to express our condolences to the man’s family,” Chief Messier said in a statement. “This is a very sad day for them and the community.”

Officials said the fire grew quickly and consumed the house within minutes. The structure is considered a total loss.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, although Davine noted that crews found no working smoke detectors at the scene.

State Police investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Worcester District Attorney’s Office assisted local authorities in the investigation.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News App for the latest news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook And Tweet. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW