The Texarkana Arkansas Fire Department responded to a structure fire Saturday night at 4423 E. Broad just before midnight. At first, firefighters believed that a person was still inside, but it was discovered the man had made it out of the building but was seriously burned and suffered smoke inhalation. Richard Vanderbilt, age 65, of Texarkana died from his injuries on Sunday afternoon.
TAFD Press Release:
On Saturday, May 13th, the Texarkana Arkansas Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 4423 E. Broad at 2352 hours. Although this is the address for the old Electric Cowboy, the fire was in another building on the property where a caretaker was staying. The responding units were initially advised that there might be someone still inside the structure. Captain Andy Jones reported that there were heavy flames coming from the structure when he arrived. He also discovered that the person had made it out of the building, but had sustained burn and smoke inhalation injuries. While some firefighters worked at extinguishing the fire, others provided care for the burned patient.
Richard Vanderbilt, age 65, was transported to Wadley Regional Medical Center by ambulance. Because of the severity of his injuries, he was immediately transferred by helicopter to the burn unit at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Mr. Vanderbilt passed away from his injuries Sunday afternoon.
The structure was heavily fire damaged. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Anyone with any information about the fire is encouraged to contact the Fire Marshal’s office of the Texarkana Arkansas Fire Department at (870)779-4959.
