MADISON TOWNSHIP — A man died late Sunday afternoon after a mobile home he was found in was engulfed by flames, according to Madison Township Fire Department Chief Kenneth Justus.
Joseph Nickrand, 53, was discovered at approximiately 4:49 p.m. at 476 Piper Road in Madison Township, after fire officials forced their way inside his locked motorhome.
Justus said Nickrand was pulled from the motorhome with shallow breathing and a weak pulse. He received Advanced Life Support Treatment at the scene.
Nickrand was then transported to Ohio health Mansfield Hospital by Mifflin Township (Richland County) Fire Department Medics. During transport, Justus said Nickrand experienced cardiac arrest.
All attempts to resuscitatte him were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at Ohio Health Mansfield Emergency Department.
Justus said the fire appears to have been accidental.
The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office responded and is conducting an investigation into the cause of this blaze.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Office is also participating in this investigation.
The initial box alarm assignment was the Madison Township Fire Department with two engines, Mifflin Township (Richland County) with a Medic Unit, and the Mansfield Fire Department with an engine.