LAPORTE — A LaPorte man pulled from his burning home by firefighters last week remained in critical condition at a Chicago hospital.
That’s according to LaPorte Fire Chief Andy Snyder, based on reports from the victim’s family, whom the department has been in contact with almost daily since the June 19 fire at 1604 K St.
Roy Boness, described as in his early to mid-60s, was taken by medical helicopter to Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago after firefighters quickly found him in a bedroom of the small, single-story structure.
Boness was unconscious and carried out to safety with third degree burns to his legs and major smoke inhalation, said Snyder, who added that Boness was placed on a ventilator that he was still on several days later.
“Hopefully, he survives,” Snyder said. “If he does, he’s got a long road to recovery.”
Snyder said the joint investigation with the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office shows the fire began in a carport attached to the residence and spread to the home.
The cause of the fire remained under investigation.
“I do know that he smoked out there,” Snyder said. “We don’t know if that’s the factor or not.”
Firefighters responding to the late-morning fire encountered heavy smoke and flames then went inside after neighbors told them Boness might still be inside.
Snyder said Boness lived by himself at the home owned by his sister, who lives in the Chicago area.
At the time of the fire, neighbors reported hearing what sounded like loud explosions, which Snyder said were caused by aerosol cans in the carport exploding from exposure to heat and flames.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: LaPorte man still faces tough fight after being airlifted to Chicago
Reporting by Stan Maddux, Special to The Tribune / South Bend Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Stan Maddux, Special to The Tribune | USA TODAY Network
