Hoarder May Have Been Trapped During Deadly Condo Fire Monday

CHARLOTTE – Police say a man who they described as a hoarder, may have been trapped inside of his apartment during a deadly fire Monday night.

There were “tremendous combustible materials” all over the apartment according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police.

Officials describe fifty-five year old Thomas Burgess as a hoarder, and that may have contributed to his death.

Flames broke out at a condominium complex located on the 1100 block of Queens Road West around 7:30 Monday night.

After firefighters searched several units, evacuating several people to safety, they located Burgess’s body inside his unit. Paramedics pronounced the man dead on the scene.

The CMPD said the door to the apartment was partially blocked, and that may have hampered the victim’s way out.

Neighbors said they tried to bang on Burgess’s door, but simply couldn’t get in.

“I kicked the door as hard as I could to get more attention.” said Rob Jorgeson who lives nearby. “I yelled in there for a few yells, I don’t know how many exactly. I didn’t get any attention.”

The investigation continues to try to determine how Burgess died.

Fire investigators believe the flames started because of an electrical problem according to police.

PRIMARY AGENCY: Charlotte Fire Department

ASSISTING AGENCIES: CMPD, Medic
INCIDENT TYPE: Working Fire