Updated 11:20 p.m.
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) — Bay County fire crews responded to a fire structure Saturday afternoon.
A structure caught on fire around 4 p.m. on Danny Drive and Thomas Drive.
Investigators said the home was being rented by 6 out of state people. They added that the fire started while food was being cooked under a stairway. The stairway then caught on fire.
“Five people managed to jump from the balcony to safety,” Bay County Sheriff’s Office wrote. “One woman, 55-year -old LaTonya Lucas, was not able to get out and died in the fire.”
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a death investigation connected to this fire.
We will update the story if more information is released.
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Previous version below:
PANAMA CITY BEACH (WMBB) – Thomas Drive has been closed temporarily both east and westbound between Upas St. and Venus St.
Officials said the road closure is due to a structure fire.
We will have more information as it becomes available.
