By Jacob Kanclerz and Jim Woods
The Columbus Dispatch
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A 56-year-old man died in his East Side motel room yesterday, despite efforts by Columbus Fire paramedics who stopped to rescue him.
Paramedics spotted heavy smoke while driving by the Capital Motel, 3045 E. Main St., on the way to the station at 5:45 p.m., said Battalion Chief Patrick Ferguson of the Columbus Fire Division.
The paramedics had motel employees open Room 11 and found the man on the floor next to the bed, which was burning. Firefighters put out the fire quickly, and damage was contained to the room.
Paramedics attempted to revive the man, but he was pronounced dead at 5:53 p.m., Ferguson said. He said the man was burned.
Late last night, the man’s name was not being released because family members were still being notified.
Ballu Patel, manager at Capital Motel, said the man had lived there for five weeks and was a good tenant. Patel said the man had previously stayed at the motel for an extended period.
The fire’s cause is being investigated but is not considered to be suspicious. Ferguson would not say whether they think the man was smoking in bed.
The victim had health issues and used an oxygen tank, which was found in the room.
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