Police Capt. James Gieseke said the victim was in his late 70s and lived by himself at the complex, the Centennial Plaza Apartments. His name was not released pending notification of relatives. A double amputee, he was apparently unable to escape his burning apartment.
St. Louis Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Pollihan said fire investigators were trying to determine the cause of the fire, which began about 6:20 p.m.
``I heard the alarm and a man came down the hall saying there was a fire,'' said Irene Love, 84. ``I smelled the smoke and thought, 'Oh my.' I got my walker and got out.''
Firefighters said the fire was confined to the victim's apartment. The other residents escaped without injury. Many of them waited outside the complex while firefighters ventilated the building with fans.
Most of the building sustained only minor damage, and residents were allowed to return to their apartments a few hours after the fire.
