Flint, Michigan, is again in the news after a fire broke out at the former Howard Johnson motel on the east side, revealing a grim reminder of the city's ongoing battle with blight and neglected vacant buildings. The Flint Fire Department was called to the scene around 3 a.m. Sunday morning, finding heavy smoke and flames upon their arrival. It was later confirmed that a body was discovered inside the decaying structure once the fire was brought under control, as reported by ABC12.

The identity of the person found deceased has not yet been released, as authorities continue to work to notify relatives quickly. Mayor Sheldon Neeley addressed the potential presence of homeless individuals seeking refuge in the motel, suggesting they may have been trying to keep warm with a kerosene heater. Flint Fire Chief Theron Wiggins expressed the hope to demolish the structure soon to prevent further tragedies, telling ABC12, "Unfortunately there was a death as a result of that looks to be accidental fire." Repeated visits to the site by firefighters checking on lingering smoke have underscored the urgency of addressing these unsafe buildings.

In the wake of the tragic incident, Mayor Neeley explained the complex, bureaucratic process involved in tearing down such derelict structures, as quoted by MidMichiganNow. "We have to go through a full process, and that process involves the court system," Neeley said. He further described the privately owned Howard Johnson's motel as a site for "malfeasance and other nefarious activities."

Working with local authorities, Flint officials are investigating the fire and its aftermath. More updates will follow as the investigation continues.