Overloaded extension cord blamed for fatal fire

Overloaded extension cord blamed for fatal fire

LEVITTOWN, Pa. (AP) — Authorities say the fire that killed a Pennsylvania man and left his grandfather hospitalized was started by a pinched electrical cord.

Fire investigators say David McCardle was found dead in a bathtub following Monday morning’s fire in Falls Township, Bucks County. His grandfather, 87-year-old Jack McCardle, was hospitalized after escaping from the fire.

Neighbor Eric Watkins called 911 after spotting the blaze then helped the older man to safety. But he said the flames were too intense to go inside the burning home.

Fire officials suspect David McCardle may have been trying to escape the flames in the tub.

Bristol Township Fire Marshal Kevin Dippolito says a lightweight extension cord that was being used to power a computer and other items is the likely cause of the blaze.