New Cumberland fire claims life

NEW CUMBERLAND - An unidentified body was found in the rubble of a trailer and vehicle fire on Travis Road, which was reported at approximately 2:49 a.m. Friday.

A neighbor noticed that the trailer and vehicle parked next to it were in flames but reportedly did not have a phone available to alert the authorities. However, the neighbor drove to downtown New Cumberland, where he was able to place a call to 911.

The Hancock County Sheriff's office, the New Cumberland police and volunteer fire department, as well as Chester, Newell, and New Manchester fire departments, responded.

According to Sheriff Mike White, the trailer and vehicle were fully engulfed when the rescue officials arrived.

"There was no water available, so (the fire departments) had to pump it in," White said.

The trailer was on property owned by Eleanor Collins, although authorities have not yet identified the body.

"The state fire marshal and the medical examiner are both investigating with the (local authorities)," White said.

Until the state fire marshal and medical examiner can complete their investigations, the identity of the body as well as the point of origin of the fire are unknown.

(Matsick can be contacted at jmatsick@reviewonline.com)