Authorities: Paraplegic Man Dies In Van Fire
MAYFIELD TWP. (WWJ/AP) - Authorities say a paraplegic man has died after being trapped inside his van when it caught fire in Lapeer County.
Michael Clemens, 49, of Lapeer was driving the 1997 Chevrolet van Thursday in Lapeer County's Mayfield Township when he stopped on the side of a road.
Authorities say it appears that Clemens tried to get to his wheelchair and out of the van, which was equipped with a wheelchair lift, when the fire started.
Clemens was the only person in the van. Authorities say a 19-year-old Lapeer man stopped and tried to help, but wasn't able to pull Clemens out.
Mayfield Township is located about 45 miles northwest of Detroit. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
