Body found inside Port Charlotte home destroyed by fire Monday night
Fire crews found a body after a roof collapsed during a house fire that sent a man to the hospital and destroyed a Port Charlotte home Monday night.
ABC7 spoke with family members who identified the victim as 70-year-old Rosann Cantanaso.
Fire crews began recovery operations for the missing woman around 9 a.m. According to a Charlotte County spokesman, Cantanaso is believed to have had mobility issues.
Crews said a man, whose family identified as Frank, was taken to a hospital with injuries. Family members told ABC7 that Frank is suffering from burns and remains in the hospital.
ABC7 crews on the scene reported that deputies blocked off the road at Poston Avenue and Pellam Boulevard as firefighters worked to ensure the flames did not reignite.
Smoke continued to rise from the house, where the roof collapsed during the blaze, throughout Tuesday morning.
Neighbors captured video of the fire when it first erupted, showing intense flames and thick black smoke.
Family members of the homeowner expressed concern and hope for their loved ones' safety.
“That is my great aunt’s house, and we haven’t heard anything from her,” said Kai Cantanaso, a family member. “We have a very large extended family. Everyone’s been calling her new number, but nobody can get ahold of her or find out if she was inside the house.”
The fire marshal said they considered the home to be a hoarder home. Along with the significant number of items inside, the roof, equipped with solar panels, collapsed into the structure.
Crews said the accumulation of belongings contributed to the intensity of the fire, which reignited multiple times throughout the night.
The state fire marshal said they will continue investigating the cause of the fire.
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