One person has died, and another is critically injured following a large house fire Sunday evening in Stanley, according to Gaston County officials.
The massive fire broke out around 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 28, at a home in the 1100 block of Blacksnake Road. Fire crews arrived to find the single-family home fully engulfed in flames.
Multiple fire departments from Gaston and Lincoln counties responded, along with additional help through a Tanker Task Force.
Officials confirmed that, initially, two people were taken to the hospital. A fire chief at the scene said everyone was out of the home by the time crews arrived. The victims have not yet been identified, and officials said more information is expected to be released Monday afternoon.
Property records indicate that the home is associated with the family of NASCAR driver and team owner Denny Hamlin. Sources confirmed the house is owned through Hamlin’s property company.
Upper Stanley Road was temporarily shut down on Sunday evening to allow fire crews and tankers access to the scene. The cause of the fire has not been released, and the Gaston County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating.
In a statement, the Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department said, “We are thankful for the multiple agency response and ask that the public be in prayer for the affected family and our first responders in fire, GEMs, and police.”
The scene remains active.