House fire claims life of Joplin man

A house fire in Joplin early Monday morning has claimed the life of a 71-year-old man. Read the full press release from the city of Joplin below:

On Monday, June 27, at 3:16 AM, Joplin 911 received a report of a structure fire in a residence located at 819 W. ‘A’ Street. The caller reported seeing flames in the residence and also that one occupant was unable to get out of the house.

Joplin Fire crews arrived approximately four minutes later and found a two-story residential structure to be full of smoke. Crews immediately initiated a search for the trapped occupant, who was located and removed from the residence. Medical care was initiated by METS ambulance personnel, however, the victim succumbed to his injuries shortly after being rescued.

The victim has been identified as Michael Haas, 71 years old, from Joplin.

After the fire was extinguished the Joplin Fire Marshal and Joplin Police Department worked to investigate the cause and origin of the fire which was determined to be accidental due to a malfunctioning electric fan in the living room of the residence.

Joplin Fire was assisted by METS ambulance and the Joplin Police Department.