A Bellefontaine man succumbed to his injuries sustained in a mobile home fire last week.
Richard Banks, 77, passed away Sunday, July 20, at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Bellefontaine Fire Chief Brian Wilson reported.
Banks previously had been listed in critical condition at the Columbus area hospital following the fire that occurred Wednesday night, July 16, at 1000 Garfield Ave., Lot 3, Bellefontaine.
About 11:38 p.m., Bellefontaine firefighters were dispatched to the scene p.m. and observed “a working fire with heavy smoke,” Chief Wilson previously reported.
Firefighters were informed that someone was inside the unit and began conducting a search. Banks was found unresponsive lying on the living room floor.
Firefighters rescued the man from the unit and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Upon restoring his pulse, the man was transported by squad to Mary Rutan Hospital. He was then transferred by medical helicopter to Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus.
The fire started in the area of the stove and was quickly contained by firefighters. Fire damage was contained to the kitchen area, however, there was smoke and heat damage throughout the unit.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting with the fire investigation.
Huntsville and Richland Township volunteer fire departments provided mutual aid.
