Authorities are investigating a deadly fire that occurred Monday morning just outside Benton in Franklin County.
According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the fire was reported around 8:10 a.m. at a trailer located on South Stuyvesant Street, just south of Benton city limits. Officials later identified the victim as Shane Richardson.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Ewing Northern Fire Department, Benton Fire Department, Cave-Eastern Fire Protection District, West Frankfort Fire Department, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Benton Police Department.
Firefighters worked quickly to bring the blaze under control. However, once the flames were extinguished and crews began searching the structure, they discovered one person deceased inside the trailer.
Authorities have not yet released additional details about Richardson or the circumstances surrounding the fire.
The structure sustained severe damage, with much of the trailer collapsing due to the intensity of the blaze. Emergency crews remained at the scene for several hours as they worked to secure the area and begin the investigation.
Officials from the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office have been called in to assist with determining the cause of the fire. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is also involved in the ongoing investigation.
At this time, authorities say the incident remains under investigation, and no additional information has been released. More details may become available as investigators continue to examine the scene and determine what led to the fatal fire.
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