CORNPLANTER TWP., Pa. (EYT) – Franklin-based state police have released details of their investigation into a deadly fire that broke out Sunday morning at a residence in Cornplanter Township.
(Photos by Mark Hutchinson of Photograph of Marc’s path.)
According to PSP Franklin, the fire occurred around 6:28 a.m. on Sunday, June 25 at 142 Charlton Street in Cornplanter Township, Venango County.
Police say the dead victim was identified as a 46-year-old man Branton Cornerof the oil city.
According to police, the fire destroyed the two-story wood-frame house.
Due to the severe fire damage to the structure and the partial collapse of the interior, an interior examination to determine the origin and cause of the fire could not be performed for safety reasons.
According to several witnesses at the scene, the fire originated at the front of the first floor structure and spread upward through the second floor and attic space.
Police say two occupants – Valorie Bowen, 64, and John Cornor, 69, both of Oil City – escaped the home with burns and smoke inhalation injuries.
According to police, Branton Cornor was unable to escape from an attic bedroom and died from his injuries.
Damage is estimated at $145,000.00.
Cornplanter Volunteer Fire Department, Rouseville Volunteer Fire Department, Reno Volunteer Fire Department, Seneca Volunteer Fire Department, Rocky Grove Volunteer Fire Department, Oil City Fire Department and the community ambulance attended the scene.
Cornplanter Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Ben Schwab said exploreVenango.com the home was fully engulfed when units arrived, and it took crews more than six hours to bring the fire under control.
The American Red Cross was dispatched to assist residents of the home, as well as residents of the neighboring home that was damaged during the incident.
The scene was cleared around 12.30pm on Sunday 25 June.
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