Chatham-Kent police are investigating a weekend fire in a wooded area in east-end Chatham where authorities say an unidentified person was found dead. The incident occurred late Saturday evening, and officers have been working alongside the fire department and the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office to determine the cause.
Witnesses Report Explosion
Three nearby residents told reporters they heard a loud explosion around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday. Kenneth Verkaik, who lives about 200 metres away on King Street East, said he and two others—Jessica Woudenberg and Melissa Henderson—rushed outside after hearing the blast. “All of sudden there was a big explosion, like a propane tank or something,” Woudenberg said. She described flames about a metre high and noted that it appeared a tent or similar structure had burned.
Verkaik stated that he went toward the fire and saw a woman who appeared to be older and had suffered burns. He said he picked her up to move her out of the wooded area just before police arrived. “I think she died in my arms,” he told reporters, adding that the experience has left him unable to sleep. Henderson, Verkaik’s sister, said her brother did all he could to help. “It’s unfortunate,” she commented.
Police Investigation Ongoing
Chatham-Kent police issued a public advisory Sunday about increased activity in the area but provided no details about the deceased person or the fire. Officers could not be reached for further comment later that day. The investigation is being conducted with the fire department and the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office.
Police are asking anyone with information about the fire to contact them. The identity of the deceased woman has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
