Father & Son Killed In Late Nite Fire

Investigators with Mobile Fire-Rescue are trying to determine the cause of a mobile home fire that killed a father and son.

The 911 call came in just before 11:30 p.m. When firefighters arrived at 9155C Dawes Lane, North, they reported heavy fire and smoke coming from the mobile home and what sounded like an explosion.

They found 68-year-old Vernon Andrews crouched on the floor with what appeared to be a burn to his forehead and heavy soot around his face and nose. Andrews was pronounced dead at Providence Hospital.

Firefighters found the man's son, 40-year-old Chris Andrews in a living room-den area. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

According to family members, Vernon Andrews suffered from lung disease and was on oxygen 24 hours a day. Investigators say the oxygen tanks could have cause the explosion.

Andrews, who also suffered from severe back pain and shoulder problems, was bedridden and unable to care for himself. His son took care of him.

Andra Dese, who was a friend of Chris Andrews, told investigators that he asked her to come over last night to help with his dad. Dese said she and Chris went outside the smoke. When he went back inside, Chris discovered the fire and tried to get his father out. Dese called 911.

Investigators say the cause of the fire appears to be accidental. The mobile home was a total loss.