A fire engine — Unsplash/Daniel Holland @ghostdasquarian
A vehicle fire turned deadly when a body was discovered inside a burning car near the Reading city line, authorities announced.
Fire crews were dispatched to the area of South 9th Street in Cumru Township at 3:23 a.m. on Sunday, March 29, where they found a fully involved vehicle fire, according to the Berks County Coroner’s Office.
After extinguishing the flames, firefighters discovered a deceased individual inside the vehicle, prompting an immediate investigation, the coroner said.
Berks County Coroner Matthew J. Stitzel said his office took custody of the decedent at 6:17 a.m. The body was transported to the Reading Hospital morgue following the on-scene investigation.
The identity of the individual has not yet been confirmed and is pending positive identification, authorities said.
An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, to be conducted by forensic pathologist Dr. Neil Hoffman, according to the release.
The investigation remains active. Agencies assisting at the scene included the Reading Fire Department, Cumru Township Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police in Reading, Cumru Township Fire Department, and the Berks County Forensic Unit.
Details about the individual’s life were not immediately available. His loved ones are invited to share details with Daily Voice by emailing jpikora@dailyvoice.com.