SAN ANTONIO — A man died after investigators say his mobility chair sparked a fire at his east-side home Tuesday.
Around 11:30 a.m., SAFD responded to Winneway Drive and Christian Drive after receiving reports of a house fire.
When fire personnel arrived, they said they found an elderly man inside the kitchen of the home, where SAFD believes the fire started, with a fire extinguisher next to him.
The man was transported to a local hospital in critical condition after suffering second- and third-degree burns. Family members identified him as 68-year-old Tommie Anderson Sr.
He died at the hospital.
"It was Lord's will, it was his time," said his son, Tommie Anderson Jr. "Like they say, from the ashes rise the phoenix."
Anderson Jr. said he ran to where his father was living when he found out what happened.
"I wanted to go in and save him," he added.
As soon as Anderson got there, he saw his father being taken out of the home by EMS. Anderson said he couldn't get close to his father, but saw that he didn't look good.
The elder Anderson would be taken to a local hospital as more family showed up, finding out the heartbreaking news in front of the home.
Anderson Jr. said he wants everyone to remember his father as the good man he was, someone he said was known well in the community.
“But a lot of people say he was the best mortician but all in all he was my dad and I took care of him best I could."
SAFD said the fire was put out quickly and no other injuries were reported.
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