By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington Police are launching an investigation into the cause of the fire that killed a 62-year old man, as investigators call the fire “suspicious.”

On Wednesday, McLean County Coroner Dr. Kathy Yoder said Tyrone Hoy, 62, of Bloomington, died in the early Tuesday morning fire.

Preliminary autopsy results indicate Hoy died from inhalation of smoke and soot due to the fire.

The fire broke out around 11:08 p.m. in the 600 block of W. Market Street in a home that was turned into an apartment complex.

According to Bloomington Fire Department Public Information Officer Eric Davison, Engine 1 initially entered the building for an offensive attack.

Davison said 40 minutes into battling the blazes, the crews exited the structure and transitioned to a defensive tactic based on the conditions of the building.

“Crews were initially unable to get to the third floor due to the stairs being burned away. Crews attempted to enter the structure again to attack the ‘seat’ of the fire but were again forced out of the building based on conditions.”

Five people were transported to local hospitals with injuries; their condition is unknown.

The Bloomington Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division is assisting the Bloomington Fire Department with the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact BPD Detective Brad Melton at 309-434-2537 or Detective Brock Merritt at 309-434-2359.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].