FIRE CLAIMS LIFE OF SCOTT CITY MAN

SCOTT CITY -- A house fire early Friday morning claimed the life of an elderly Scott City man and sent his wife to the hospital.

James Moore, 74, died in the fire. Elizabeth Moore, 72, was in critical condition Saturday night at the burn unit at St. John's Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis.

About 6:15 a.m. Friday, Scott City police and fire departments received a relay 911 call about a house fire at 710 E. Fourth St. When firefighters arrived at the house, it was ablaze with the two residents inside.

Firefighters rescued the two from the burning building, and North Scott County Ambulance District personnel treated the victims before they were transported to Cape Girardeau hospitals.

James Moore was pronounced dead on arrival at Southeast Missouri Hospital from injuries from the fire.

Elizabeth Moore was evaluated at St. Francis Medical Center and then flown to St. John's.

Investigators from the Missouri State Fire Marshal's office say the fire was accidental, but the cause is undetermined.

It is unclear who made the 911 call. The call went to the Scott County 911 Center and was relayed to the Scott City Police Department.