An investigation is underway after a car fire spread to a nearby house in New Jersey on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Mount Laurel Police Department.
This all unfolded just before 5 p.m. on June 10 when police and the Mount Laurel Fire Department were called to Diston Court and found a two-story home on fire, officials said.
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WATCH HEREAccording to police, the fire was visible mostly in the home's garage.
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SIGN UP After the fire was put out, a person was found dead inside a car that was at the scene, officials explained. It is believed that the fire started because of the car.
NBC10 crews at the scene saw a large presence of police and fire officials as firefighters worked to keep the blaze under control. There was visible damage to the home.
Iliya Rezbine said he was inside with his wife, three kids and their dogs when the car crashed into their home.
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“Whatever he hit, like, caused an explosion. So, my wife, she grabbed all the kids, and they ran off," he said.
“Our neighbor’s kid ran in the back, and they freed both of our dogs. They’re like heroes, you know," he added.
One of the family's dogs, a two-year-old basset hound named Poncho is missing after he ran off in the commotion.
"f you guys see a basset hound in Mount Laurel, two years old, I’m looking for him. He’s still missing," Rezbine said.
A neighbor, Steven Kohler, said it was possible the driver had a medical emergency, causing the crash.
“From the stories I’ve been told is that he exited his driveway, hit his garage in reverse and maybe had a medical incident and foot on the gas, went into the side of the house," Kohler said.
Kohler and other neighbors are rallying around the Rezbines, who have lived at their home for more than a decade.
“We’ve already got together and decided we can help if there’s anything that they need to please let us know," Kohler said. "We’re here for them. We’re here for their dogs and whatever we can do.”
Rezbine said he was grateful to have the neighborhood's support.
"“I’m very happy that our neighbors came together and we’re able to help. It’s a good feeling to have people you can rely on," he said.
An investigation is being conducted by the Mount Laurel Bureau of Fire Prevention and Police Detective Bureau.
