Body ID’ed in fatal fire in Austintown

Body ID’ed in fatal fire in Austintown

AUSTINTOWN — How a township man died inside his house that burned on busy state Route 46 is pending a coroner’s report.

Firefighters called to 142 N. Canfield-Niles Road at 7:47 p.m. Tuesday found the small two-story house fully engulfed in flames, said assistant Fire Chief Andrew Frost III. The victim was found after the fire was put out, he said.

The Mahoning County coroner’s office said tonight the victim was Traian Foias, 46, who is the owner of the two-story beige house.

Investigators with the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office, called in to assist township firefighters, were at the scene this morning. They referred questions to a public information officer.

The fire started near a south wall in the kitchen, according to Shane Cartmill, Ohio state fire marshal spokesman in Columbus. He said smoke alarms did activate.

For the complete story, see Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.