A man was found dead inside a downtown Dover building after a major fire early Wednesday morning, according to city officials and first responders.
The blaze was reported around 2:40 a.m. on the northeast corner of West Loockerman and South New Streets, in a mixed-use building containing both apartments and businesses, according to a joint news release from the Dover Police Department, City of Dover Fire Department, City of Dover Fire Marshals Office, and City of Dover Emergency Management.
At least seven fire departments responded, and it took them until 8 a.m. to bring the fire under control.
Seven people were transported to a hospital, with the majority being treated for minor injuries and smoke inhalation, officials said. Seventeen people were displaced by the fire, according to Dover Police Department spokesman Mark Hoffman.
Two businesses located on the first floor of the building were affected by the fire. That OG Ish, an apparel and accessories store owned by James Owens, had two locations on West Loockerman Street, with another business, Sold Out Sneaks, located in-between.
Owens said the victim, a man about 70 years old, was found inside That OG Ish.
“He often worked in the shop and was in there late,” Owens said.
Owens said he lost between $40,000 and $50,000 in merchandise in the fire, he said, including about $20,000 worth of watches.
“My store is completely over,” he said. “They’re probably gonna condemn the building.”
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Around 10 a.m. Wednesday, debris littered the street. Fire trucks remained on scene, one with its ladder still extended. Utility workers and firefighters were still on the street.
Loockerman Street, from Queen Street to Governors Avenue, is expected to remain closed for several hours, as are several surrounding streets.
Investigators are still working to determine the cause and origin of the fire. Anyone affected by the fire is instructed to contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.
