The Dillon County community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 65-year-old Delphine Manning, who died Wednesday evening after a house fire tore through her home on West Cleveland Street. The tragic incident has left neighbors shaken and loved ones searching for answers as investigators work to determine what sparked the deadly blaze.
According to Dillon County Coroner Donnie Grimsley, Manning was inside her residence when the fire broke out. Emergency crews from the Dillon Police Department and Dillon Fire Department responded swiftly after receiving reports of the fire, but despite their urgent efforts, Manning could not be rescued in time. She was pronounced dead at the scene, marking a devastating end to a night of chaos and heartbreak on the quiet residential street.
Manning’s remains have been transported to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, where a full autopsy will be conducted. Officials say the examination will be essential in determining the precise cause of death—whether smoke inhalation, burns, or other fire-related injuries contributed—and may also provide insight into how rapidly the fire spread throughout the home.
The investigation into the blaze is now underway and involves multiple agencies, including Dillon County authorities, the Dillon Police Department, the Dillon Fire Department, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Investigators are exploring all possible causes, from electrical issues and heating equipment to flammable materials and other potential hazards within the residence. They are interviewing neighbors, analyzing the scene, and reviewing emergency call logs to piece together the sequence of events. At this time, officials say there is no indication of foul play.
Friends, family, and neighbors remember Manning as a kind and respected member of the community. News of her passing has deeply affected those who knew her, as well as residents who witnessed the tragic incident unfold. House fires can erupt suddenly and spread with alarming speed, and Manning’s death serves as a painful reminder of how quickly lives can be changed forever.
Authorities say additional information will be released once the autopsy is completed and investigators have finished reviewing the evidence. For now, the Dillon County community continues to grieve, honoring Manning’s memory and supporting one another in the wake of an unexpected and heartbreaking loss.
