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Body Found in Burning Car in Anaheim, May Have Been a 'Tragic Accident'

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Photo by tonyz20 via Shutterstock

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Authorities in Anaheim are investigating the death of an unidentified victim whose body was discovered inside a burning car early Friday morning.

Two explosions woke up the neighborhood in the vicinity of the 100 block of South Westchester Drive at around 3 a.m., according to City News Service. Firefighters called to the scene discovered a white four-door vehicle already engulfed in flames.

Inside the car was a deceased body. The victim has not been identified by authorities, however they have been described as "a 21-year-old Cypress College student," according to KTLA.

Investigators say the incident may be simply a "tragic accident."

While it remains to be determined if the fire was deliberately set or was the result of a mechanical issue, arson investigators have told Anaheim officers there is no evidence, such as the presence of gasoline, to indicate the fire was set on purpose.

The car appears to have some damage, possibly from involvement in a collision that may have taken place earlier on Thursday. Neighbors at the scene theorize the car's owner may have been inside the car trying to get it to start when the fire broke out, and because of the damage was unable to get out.

The investigation is ongoing.

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