LONDON, KY - Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Sheriff's Investigators report that the unaccounted person has been located. Out of an abundance of caution, the building was thoroughly searched to make sure no one was caught inside when the fire erupted.
Update reported Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 11:40 A.M.
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Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel Sheriff's Detective Taylor McDaniel along with Capt. Richard Dalrymple and Detective Hunter Disney are conducting an investigation regarding a fire that was reported at 3:27 PM on Monday afternoon April 22, 2024.
Numerous area fire departments responded to the scene of a fire which occurred off West Cumberland Gap Pkwy. approximately 10 miles South of London at an abandoned building-garage located along the roadway near I – 75.
Sheriff's investigators report that information has been developed that some homeless individuals were occupying the abandoned building when the fire broke out.
Through investigation all but one of those individuals has been accounted for. The Laurel County Sheriff's office has secured the scene and will return for further investigation on Tuesday morning at 7 AM to sift through the ruins attempting to account for the last individual not yet located.
ATF agents will be on scene on Tuesday morning to assist on the investigation.
A volunteer fire fighter received injuries while fighting the fire and was airlifted to UK Medical Center for treatment of unspecified injuries.
Cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
The state fire marshal's office has been advised.
Also assisting on the investigation for for the Laurel County Sheriff's office :Sgt. Brett Reeves and Deputy Cyruss McVey.
In addition, the Laurel County Department of Public Safety along with Emergency Management Director Justin Noe also assisted along with numerous area fire departments.
Laurel County Sheriff's Detective Taylor McDaniel is the case officer.
Investigation will be continuing and updates will be posted as the information becomes available.
