DuQuoin firefighter Corey Shaw.
Pinckneyville Ill. (KSDK) - A firefighter from the DuQuoin, Illinois Fire Department has died from injuries suffered while fighting a large fire in Downtown Pinckneyville that destroyed both the Pinckneyville Antique Mall and the Kunz Opera House Friday afternoon.
The firefighter has been identified as 22-year-old Corey Shaw, son of DuQuoin Fire Chief Bob Shaw. He had been a volunteer firefighter with the DuQuoin Fire Department since July 2010.
The fire started in the antique store around 3:30 p.m. and quickly spread to the neighboring opera house. Emergency personnel from Perry County, along with firefighters from Tamaroa, Coulterville and Sparta in Randolph County, Jackson County Ambulance Service, Illinois State police, and Murphysboro police were all called to the scene.
The owners of the shop live in an apartment above their store with their son, his girlfriend, and their grandson. All family members present escaped without injury.
Both buildings were staples of the Pinckneyville community; the opera house holding a prominent place for the last 100 years. The buildings completely collapsed during the blaze.
Officials have not yet determined what started the fire
KSDK