Fresno Homeless Man Burned Alive When Bus He Lived In Goes Up In Flames

FRESNO (CBS/AP) – A homeless man in Fresno met a horrific, tragic death when he was burned alive inside the bus he considered his home.

Witnesses describe seeing Feliciano Franco trapped in the back of the burning bus, pounding on a window and begging for help before he died.

Investigators told KSEE the fire started near the front of the bus and was likely caused by cooking or smoking.

Witnesses say Franco was in his 40s and homeless; the Eastside Church of God had let him live in the bus parked next to the church building.

Fresno Deputy Fire Marshal Don MacAlpine says Franco had been talking with church members shortly before the fire.

Jack Cervantes said he knew Franco most of his life.

"He was a nice guy, didn't bother nobody, just going to and from the church, he does what he does"