Police are still trying to identify a body found in a burning car in the Kingsessing neighborhood on early Saturday morning, according to reports. The cause of the fire is also being investigated. The body was found around 4:30 a.m. in a burning 2013 Toyota on the 5300 block of Glenmore Avenue in front of houses. This is a relatively secluded block, according to residents who live there and who witnessed the fire.

Neighbors reported waking up to loud popping sounds, followed by an acrid burning smell and then witnessing a dozen police cars, fire crews and an ambulance at the scene.

A man died on the second floor of the rowhome at 1257 S. 46th St. overnight.

A neighbor was killed and two others were injured in a house fire overnight on the 1200 block of S. 46th Street. The fire broke out around midnight and was put out about 20 minutes later. The victim, a man in his 30s, was found on the second floor and was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other men who were at the house when the fire started were able to escape.

We spoke to a next-door neighbor this morning who said that the attached row home at 1257 S. 46th is a boarding house that includes five units. The woman said she had some damage in her ceiling where firemen broke through to ensure the fire didn’t spread to adjacent buildings.

Apparently, the house was in pretty bad condition, with portable oil and electric heaters in use and no working smoke alarms, Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers told NBC10.

Miki, the woman who sustained serious burns and injuries after she jumped out of the 2nd floor window during Wednesday morning house fire on the 4600 block of Larchwood Avenue, is in stable condition, according to her friends. Miki sustained burns on 20-25 percent of her body. She is currently on a breathing machine, but she is “moving in the right direction,” a friend said.

“Miki will make it. She will pull through,” said Dina, a close friend of Miki. Many thanks to neighbor Lynn Major for keeping us updated on Miki’s condition.

The cause of the fire that broke out in the wee hours on Wednesday is still under investigation, according to the Fire Marshal’s office.

The row home at 4616 Larchwood Avenue this morning, after the fire was put out.

A woman was injured after jumping out of the 2nd floor window trying to escape a row home fire early this morning at 4616 Larchwood Avenue. The fire broke out shortly before 4:30 a.m. and was put out just before 5:30 a.m., NBC10 reports. The woman also sustained some burns and was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Her condition is unknown at this time.

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A car fire stopped traffic near 40th and Walnut streets this afternoon. A reader, James, took these photos shortly before 3 p.m. after the fire had been put out. James said that several streets were closed due to the incident. We’re trying to get more information on what happened and if anyone was injured.

Photos by James Buckley.

Algernong Allen standing in the remains of the Elena’s Soul building. Photo by Danophonic Dan.

Editor’s note: Algernong sent us this letter in response to our request for comments on the future of Elena’s Soul. We’ve edited it to fit our format, but the words were not changed.

My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with the employees, residents and owners, of business and property in the Cedar Park community detrimentally impacted by the fire at Elena’s Soul on Monday December 24^th at about 1 p.m. My greatest consolation is that there was no loss of life, or injury.

The initial determination of the City’s Fire Marshal and my independent fire inspector indicates the fire originated in the kitchen somewhere above the refrigerators, most likely in the ceiling. Due to the temperature of the blaze, hot enough to melt metal, and the total decimation, the exact cause is not determinable. There were no fire violations at Elena’s Soul, and all City required inspections and maintenance of cooking equipment, fire alarm system,  fire suppression, hood cleaning and fire extinguishers were current.  Foul play is not suspected or indicated by any reports at this time.

The Department of Licenses and Inspections declared Elena’s 3-story brick structure unsafe and scheduled demolition. The neighboring businesses, Gary’s Nails and the Cedar Park Café, had suffered limited physical and structural damages as a result of the conflagration. However, during demolition, the towering brick walls were felled into the neighboring businesses, causing severe and extensive damages. Gary’s Nails may have been structurally compromised and may face condemnation.

I am more sorry for the misfortune caused to the wonderful women, who operate Gary’s Nails and their employees, than words can express.

For our customers, our friends, who have become our ever growing and changing family … Thank you! I know many felt Elena’s Soul (and LeRoy’s) was as much their place as it was mine. Community was built there. No matter the difference of culture, hue, orientation or outlook, our common desire to share fellowship though food, music and drink contributed to understanding and acceptance of our differences.

I have great sadness that your special place is gone, and our special place is lost.

“I have great sadness that your special place is gone, and our special place is lost.” (Photo from Elena’s Soul Facebook page)

For this, not only do I feel your pain, but I share it, and understand it.

It is too early to say what the next step is from here. The process of recovery is extremely complex. The realities of liability, insurance, litigation and debt make simple answers to simple questions difficult.

In terms of fundraising, I understand that many wish to find ways to help.  I would respectfully ask those who wish to help, not to press the issue.  I appreciate the sentiment, but do not wish to be the object of charity.

I am thankful to be a part of your community. I am thankful for the outpouring of support and sympathy. We have all lost a special place. May we all hold on to our good memories.

Best Regards,

Algernong Allen III