Cause not yet known of fire that destroyed Newport mansion
By The Associated Press
news@abc6.com
NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) _ Investigators are working to determine the cause of a fast-moving fire that destroyed a historic, 21-room mansion in Newport, Rhode Island.
The Stonor Lodge, which was near other mansions that have become tourist attractions, was not occupied and was being renovated.
Jerry Kirby, owner of the construction company, tells The Newport Daily News a carpenter noticed the fire late Thursday and called 911. No one was hurt.
The 9,000-square-foot house was built in the late 1800s and owned for generations by the wealthy Drexel family. It was sold in 2013.
Donald Christ, a Drexel family friend, says Jacqueline Kennedy was among those who spent time at the home. Her family had a farm in Newport.
Christ says the fire marks “the end of an era.”
© WLNE-TV 2016
