Highland, IN – A tragic house fire in the Highland area has resulted in one fatality, as reported by the Highland Police Department.
The incident occurred early this morning, March 12th, at a residence within the Wicker Park Manor Subdivision, located in the 2300 block of 81st Street. According to Commander John Banasiak of the Highland Police, officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 4:00am following reports of a structure fire. Upon arrival, they encountered flames emanating from a first-floor window of the two-story home. Two female occupants were found in the front yard, their clothing bearing the marks of soot and smoke, indicating their narrow escape. They informed the officers that an adult male was likely still inside, in an upstairs bedroom.
Despite efforts to enter the residence, the officers were hampered by the dense smoke and intense heat, which filled the home to near floor levels. The Highland Fire Department took over the operation, fighting the blaze and initiating a search for the missing man. The search ended grimly with the discovery of the man’s body in an upstairs bedroom.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, a collaborative effort involving the Highland Fire Department, the Highland Police Department, and the State Fire Marshall’s Office. Further details will be released as the investigation progresses.
