Milton man in critical condition after fire

Milton-area resident Jim Welu was injured in a devastating early morning fire March 15 that destroyed his Overbrook Shores home.

Welu was transported to Beebe Medical Center and then transferred to Crozer-Chester Medical Center outside Philadelphia, where he remains in critical condition, according to Assistant Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio and hospital officials.

Firefighters were called to the scene about 3:30 a.m. When Lewes firefighters arrived, the home was already heavily involved, and fire was spreading to a nearby field. Assistance was provided by Milton, Rehoboth Beach, Georgetown, Slaughter Beach, Ellendale and Millsboro.

Firefighters said the home collapsed the next morning, and they returned to the scene, where the structure was still burning under the pile, a Lewes Volunteer Fire Company report says.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the loss is estimated to be at least $300,000.