Human remains found inside storm drain South Los Angeles area – NBC Los Angeles

Human remains found inside storm drain South Los Angeles area  NBC Los Angeles

Authorities discovered a deceased man after putting out a fire. Human remains were discovered at the site of a fire in the Willowbrook neighborhood of South Los Angeles during the early morning hours of Thursday, the California Highway Patrol (CHP)said. The investigation initially began at 1:49 a.m. on Imperial Highway near Success Avenue off the 105 Freeway when firefighters responded to reports of a fire near a gas station. Because of smoke and fire retardant used to put out the flames, the firefighters had not seen the male body at first. But about six hours later, the deceased man inside a storm drain, the CHP said.

Investigators preliminarily believe the man was living inside the storm drain based on items found inside, including a mattress and clothes, according to the CHP. It was not immediately clear how the fire started, but fire investigators said flames may have quickly surrounded the entire encampment inside the storm drain. The deceased man was pronounced dead at around 8:01 a.m. Any witnesses with information regarding the fire were encouraged to contact Officer Flores ID 24337 at the CHP South Los Angeles Area office at (424)551-4000. After business hours, the Los Angeles Traffic Management Center can be reached at (323)259-3200.