Indiana Man Killed in Crash, Later Home Burns

An investigation is underway to determine if the day of tragedy was simply a coincidence.

Jan. 31, 2008

2 min read

GARY, Ind. --

Before the owner of a West Side barbeque restaurant died in a car crash Wednesday morning, he called 911 to report that he was having breathing problems. About nine hours after his death, his home and business were engulfed in flames.

James Phillips, 56, was pronounced dead on the scene after his vehicle struck a light pole at 1126 N. Central Ave. at about 10:30 a.m., according to a spokesman for the Cook County Medical Examiner's office.

Phillips was traveling south on Central Avenue when his car struck a pole, according to Austin District Captain Alan Isaac. He made a call to 911, likely while in traffic, telling the operator that he was having an asthma attack.

He was alone in the vehicle at the time of the crash.

Phillips was the owner of Phillips Ribs, 5048 W. Chicago Ave., and lived in the apartment upstairs from the restaurant.

About nine hours after the crash, a fire broke out at the home and restaurant.

At about 7:20 p.m., crews responded to a still-and-box alarm fire at the Chicago Ave. address, according to Fire Media Affairs spokesman Joe Roccasalva.

The fire was mostly contained to the second floor of the building, where the residences are, Roccasalva said. The first floor is commercial, he added.

Crews from the police Bomb and Arson Unit were on the scene at 9 p.m. Wednesday trying to determine whether there was any foul play or whether the fire, on the same day of Phillips' death, was just a coincidence, Isaac said.

Fire crews are trying to determine whether the fire started in the restaurant or the apartment, Roccasalva said.

One firefighter on the scene was taken to West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park in good condition, Roccasalva said. No one else was injured in the blaze.

An autopsy for Phillips is scheduled for Thursday.