Man, 59, dies in Roanoke Rapids house fire

John Babb was found inside the stairwell of his home at 424 Jefferson St., fire investigators said.

The blaze started at about 12:30 a.m., and investigators said fire crews struggled to enter the home because there were items blocking the front door.

Babb was found on the staircase, authorities said, and it appeared that he had been trying to get out of the home.

Investigators believe the fire started from an overloaded electrical outlet, and they said the home had no working smoke detectors.

Firefighters found Babb on the staircase inside his house, leaving friend and neighbor, Ronald Babb wondering if he was trying to find the front door.