QUEEN CITY, Texas — Two people were found dead after an early-morning fire at a truck stop on U.S. Highway 59.
Approximately 5 a.m. Sunday, Cass County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a fire at Punj Truck Stop and Indian Restaurant in the 22200 block of U.S. 59. Texarkana Texas Fire Department and Cass County volunteer fire department also responded to the blaze.
“Upon arrival, approximately 25 percent of the structure was fully engulfed in flames,” Texas Department of Public Safety said in a news release.
Punj’s daily hours of operation are 6 a.m. to midnight, according to its website.
After the flames were put out, firefighters discovered the bodies of two people on the second floor of the building. The identities of the deceased people will be released once their next of kin have been notified.
Punj is a metal-roofed building, which can intensify flames during a structure fire, according to Fire Marshal Chuck Weerts of TTFD.
“With a metal roof, is like an oven,” he said, pointing to a charred and warped corner of the roof.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office is overseeing the investigation.
Comments