08-12-16 Man Electrocuted After Extinguishing a Fire

According to eyewitnesses, the incident began shortly after2:00 p.m. when a 48-year-old man spotted a fire on top of Moss' Place at 709 Tunnel Boulevard. The man went to the building next door and alerted the owner of the restaurant about the fire. Details are still being obtained at this point, but the man reportedly was given a portable fire extinguisher and he took it with him as he climbed a ladder to get on the roof.

Chattanooga police officers and firefighters with Engine 15 arrived on the scene moments later. Captain Terrance Andrews with Engine 15 said the man yelled down to him that he had the fire out. As the man was attempting to get off the roof, firefighters and police officers say the man came into contact with metal or electric wires that were energized. The man collapsed and fell to the ground below. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Investigators with the fire and police departments are still gathering information in an effort to confirm what led to this man's tragic death. The man's identity is being withheld until next of kin have been notified.