UPDATE: Jan. 21 at 8 p.m.
The Woodford County Coroner confirmed on Wednesday evening that officials are still working to identify the victim in a deadly structure fire in Versailles on Tuesday morning.
"The Woodford County Coroner’s Office can confirm that at this time the deceased individual has not been identified and we are working diligently with the State Medical Examiners Office, Versailles Police Department and Kentucky State Police Crime Lab to establish and confirm the identity of this individual," the coroner's office said on social media.
The announcement comes as the agency has received "an abundance of calls from the general public and news establishments" inquiring about the individual's identity.
Original Story:
A devastating early morning fire at a three-story apartment complex on Macey Road in Versailles killed one person and displaced all residents, according to the Versailles Fire Department.
The fire broke out around 2:10 a.m., sending flames so high they could be seen above nearby trees and buildings.
"I just seen fire trucks, I mean this whole road blocked off. I just seen smoke and char and flames up in the air, past trees and buildings and it was terrible," Jose Villarreal said.
Villarreal has lived on Macey Road for more than a decade. He was awakened around 3 a.m. by his great nephew, who alerted him to the fire next door.
"My great nephew woke me up about 3 o'clock this morning. He said there's fire trucks, a fire, something's on fire. The next door neighbor's is on fire," Villarreal said.
The fire charred the side of Villarreal's apartment complex, which sits adjacent to the building that caught fire.
Villarreal said he had never witnessed a fire of this magnitude or intensity in his neighborhood.
"I thought, oh man. I hope my friend's all right," Villarreal said.
The longtime resident expressed concern for a friend who lived in the affected building.
"Just...it was scary. And to know one person didn't make it and you had a friend that lived there. Scary," Villarreal said.
The State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the fire alongside local authorities. The Red Cross Bluegrass Chapter and Woodford County Foundation are providing assistance to displaced residents.
For neighbors along Macey Road, the tragedy has left a lasting impact.
"I mean. I've heard of fires and stuff but not this close. It's terrible. It tears me up," Villarreal said.
Those looking to help displaced residents can visit redcross.org/donate.
