A Rockville, Maryland, resident and his dog were killed in a house fire on Monday afternoon.
Ragheb Abou Zeineddine, 75, likely died of smoke inhalation after a fire erupted in the basement of his home at 1401 Kersey Lane in the Falls Orchard neighborhood around 4:30 p.m. Monday, Montgomery County Fire and EMS spokesman Pete Piringer said.
While searching the house, first responders found Zeineddine unconscious on the second floor. He was the home’s sole resident, Piringer said. Zeineddine died at a hospital later that day.
His pet dog, a Goldendoodle, also did not survive.
Investigators were still working Tuesday to determine the fire’s cause, but believe an electrical outlet in the basement is the most probable source.
The fire resulted in over $210,000 in damages.
Fire officials will return to Falls Orchard on Tuesday to learn more about the blaze, and talk to neighbors about fire prevention.
Below is a map of the area:
