March 13--A critically ill West Newton man who used oxygen and was in hospice care died Thursday after he was trapped in his burning home, officials said.
Timothy W. Oliphant, 76, of 205 W. Main St. was pronounced dead at the scene just before 7 a.m. by Westmoreland County Deputy Coroner Joshua Zappone.
Several firefighters were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Firefighters were on the porch trying to rescue Oliphant when the roof above them collapsed, borough fire Chief Craig Sanner said.
"Flames were roaring out of it when we arrived" after the 5:23 a.m. fire call, Sanner said.
Murrysville Medic One set up a rehab and warming station where at least two Irwin firefighters were checked out, said Andrew Rzodkiewicz, department assistant EMS chief.
Sanner said he believed one firefighter from another department was taken to a hospital for treatment, but he didn't know the extent of his injuries.
Oliphant lived alone, according to authorities. Sanner said the two-story home was destroyed.
Oliphant's daughter, Karen Bourne, told WPXI-TV that just the night before she had an argument with her father about smoking while using oxygen.
"He was frail," Bourne said. "We had an argument last night (about smoking) and that's what's even worse -- I got mad, but he's still my dad."
Bourne said her father was receiving home hospice care and had only 30 days to live.
A family member at the scene declined comment.
Borough police and a state police fire marshal are investigating the cause of the fire.
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