A Loganville man died in a house fire Saturday morning after firefighters struggled to enter his one-story farmhouse, an official said.
William Robert Hogan Sr., 76, died from smoke and soot inhalation, according to the Gwinnett County medical examiner’s office.
Crews were hampered by furniture and other contents blocking their way, Gwinnett fire spokesman Capt. Tommy Rutledge said.
The blaze was reported about 7:10 a.m. by a relative living in a separate house on the same property, Rutledge said.
The relative was unable to enter the burning home, Rutledge said. A Gwinnett County police officer was the first to arrive and was also barred by the intense heat and smoke.
Firefighters took Hogan to Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators said the blaze was accidental and was caused by an electrical source. No one else was inside the home, and no other injuries were reported.
Rutledge said the “heavy content loading” inside the house, including furniture and other items, slowed firefighters and could have made it difficult for the man to escape the burning house.
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