Fire Destroys Del. Home, Antique Cars

Delaware fire officials are investigating a blaze that severely damaged the home of a family that owns the popular La Tonalteca restaurants in Delaware.

The state fire marshal's office says the fire was reported Saturday afternoon at the two-story home on the 3100 block of Halltown Road.

While no one was injured, authorities estimate the fire caused $750,000 in damage. The fire marshal's office says the property had a collection of antique vehicles on the first and second floors.

"I lost all my house and my cars," said homeowner Benjamin Herrera. "My antique cars too."

Among the cars that were destroyed were his customized pickup, his '52 Chevy Panel Truck and his '53 Suburban. Herrera says the Suburban was his pride and joy and it took him years to rebuild it piece by piece.

"It was a lot of work," he said. "I had to find the original pieces on eBay. That took a long time."

State fire investigators are looking into the cause and origin of the blaze.

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Report: Owner of Van in Fatal Crash Passed Inspection
 

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