Early Monday morning tragedy struck in west Phoenix as police discovered a dead person inside a charred vehicle submerged in a canal. Phoenix Police Department officials reported to FOX 10 Phoenix that officers responded to a call near 55th Avenue and Osborn Road at approximately 6:40 a.m., following reports of arson.
As per the initial investigation, the vehicle was found ablaze in a canal, a grim scene met by first responders. "Fire department extinguished the fire. Investigators have located an occupant who was pronounced deceased on scene," police informed FOX 10 Phoenix. The victim's identity has yet to be disclosed to the public.
The inquiry into what led to the fatal incident is ongoing, with detectives combing through evidence in an attempt to piece together the events preceding the fire. While the specifics surrounding the death remain uncertain, authorities are treating the case as a homicide.
12News reported that after the Phoenix Fire Department quenched the flames, the deadly discovery was made with the victim found deceased inside the vehicle. Details regarding the cause of the fire or the circumstances under which the individual died have not been released.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Witnesses or those with knowledge relevant to the case can make an anonymous call to Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS, or for Spanish, 480-TESTIGO, as police hope to gather leads that could illuminate the dark mystery surrounding this event.