Fatal Vehicle Crash in Kane Leads to Structure Fire

The call came in at 3:54AM on Sunday, September 21st for a structure fire at 124 North Fraley Street in Kane.

 

Kane Volunteer Fire Department was the first to arrive on the scene, discovering a vehicle inside the Fine Wine & Good Spirits store, which had ignited heavy smoke and flames.

 

According to Michael Mascho, McKean County Coroner, the driver, a male whose name and age has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene.  Family members have created a GoFundMe page to help with expenses.

 

Kane Fire Chief Matt Bressler said crews acted quickly to save others inside. He said, “Upon arrival, we found a vehicle in the structure which had caught fire and then started the building as well. We quickly conducted a search and rescue, finding one victim who went to the hospital due to smoke inhalation and then two more who were evacuated through the upper windows. We sent out several alarms and 17 agencies came out. We are so grateful for everyone who came out to assist.”

 

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board said the store sustained extensive damage and will remain closed indefinitely.

 

Diana Fox, a former resident of Kane said the incident has shaken the community. “It’s such a shame when anyone, any age, gets killed in a vehicle accident. Then you have all the families that were up there who were evacuated. It's just a sad day all the way around," Fox said.

 

Seventeen agencies responded to the scene, including fire departments from Sheffield, Ludlow, Mount Jewett, Hamlin Township, Highland Township, Wilcox, Johnsonburg, Ridgway, and St. Mary’s, as well as McKean County EMA, the McKean County Coroner, Kane Police, Pennsylvania State Police, and All One Disaster Response.

 

The American Red Cross is assisting the five families who were displaced by the fire.

 

The cause of the crash and fire remains under investigation.