Police said Friday that a fatal fire at an apartment complex garage structure may have been caused by the manufacture of illegal fireworks.
An unidentified man was found dead in the garage around noon Thursday after an explosion and fire at the Village Park at Cedarbrook apartments at 8406 East Harry. Flames were coming from the structure when crews arrived.
Police said they are still in the process of identifying the victim and notifying family members, so his name has not been released. No other injuries were reported and the fire did not spread to any apartments at the complex.
A statement issued by police Lieutenant Aaron Moses said a preliminary investigation “suggests that the victim was engaged in mixing an unidentified substance
before the explosion, potentially linked to illegal homemade pyrotechnics manufacturing.”
Wichita police are working with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms on the investigation.
[ photo: KWCH ]
