Squatter Dies After Fire in Abandoned House

Authorities say a squatter found inside a burning central New Jersey home this week has died from his injuries.

Perth Amboy officials tell the Home News Tribune

that 33-year-old Repnesh Tanchal died Thursday at a hospital. He had been taken there after firefighters found him early Tuesday while battling a blaze at an abandoned home in Perth Amboy.

A cause of death has not been disclosed, but authorities have said Tanchal apparently suffered smoke inhalation and was in cardiac arrest when he was found.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. But city fire officials say it apparently started on a mattress on the home's first floor and quickly spread to the walls.

Firefighters extinguished the fire in about five minutes. No other injuries were reported.