Massachusetts

Police: Body Found Near Brush Fire Chelsea, Mass.

Massachusetts State and local police are investigating the death of a man whose body was found near the scene of a brush fire in Chelsea on Thursday.

Crews responded to an area of Route 16 near Webster Avenue at about 6:40 p.m. for a fire in an unpaved area near the roadway. After extinguishing the blaze, firefighters discovered the body of an adult man, who has yet to be identified.

"Difficult to determine if there is any indication of trauma due to the severity of the burns," tweeted Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes.

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation but authorities said a mattress that was highly flammable was found in close proximity to the body, as were cardboard debris, a sterno, a cigarette pack, and other items that may indicate an accidental fire.

The office of the Chief Medical Examiner will attempt to determine the exact cause and manner of the man's death.

Anyone with information on the fire or the man's identity is urged to contact Chelsea or Massachusetts State Police.

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