Man killed at fire in concrete drain in Fresno identified. He was using it as shelter
A man who died after he was badly burned during a fire inside a concrete drainage enclosure in Fresno on April 24 was identified Monday by the Fresno County Coroner.
Eric Bennett, 59, of Fresno perished in the fire in the area of Norwich and Santa Fe avenues. Officials said Bennett was trying to use the structure as a temporary shelter.
The incident occurred about 2 p.m., according to firefighters, who found Bennett dead at the scene.
Battalion Chief Kirk Wanless reported that witnesses, including a city worker, heard the victim screaming and attempted to pull him out of the structure, but were unable to do so.
The cause of fire was under investigation.