Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:18 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:18:28 GMT
Three people were inside this burning home but managed to get out safely.
Firefighters are battling a massive fire in East Bank in Kanawha County. A house on Walnut Street went up in flames around 5:15 a.m. Firefighters said two people were home at the time but managed to
Three escape massive fire in a home on Walnut Street in Kanawha County
The CEO of a company with ties to Putnam County and Japan, has died.
A number of West Virginia politicians and community leaders offered their condolences upon hearing of Shigeji Ikenaga's death.
Sen. Joe Manchin,D-W.Va., issued the following statement.
"Today, Gayle and I offer our deepest sympathy to the entire Diamond Electric family, which we consider part of our West Virginia family. I will always be appreciative of the kindness Mr. Shigeji Ikenaga showed me, Gayle and the entire West Virginia delegation when we met with him in Japan in 2005. I pray that you all may find comfort in knowing what a gift Mr. Ikenaga was to those who loved him, and how admired he was by those who were fortunate enough to work alongside him. I am sure that his hard work and accomplishments will continue to influence all of you for generations to come."
Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., issued this statement.
"Shigeji Ikenaga and I have known each other for so many years as we worked together to bring Diamond Electric to West Virginia 16 years ago. He was a devoted man and a good friend. He made sure that Diamond Electric was a responsible company that contributed to the communities around its facilities – and Putnam County could certainly see that. Because of his hard work with Diamond Electric, West Virginia became one of the leading automotive manufacturing centers on the East Coast. I have no doubt that he knows Diamond Electric is in good hands with his sons playing major roles in the company. Sharon and I send our thoughts and prayers to Shigeji-san's family and friends during this difficult time. It was an honor to know him and he will be missed."
Diamond Electric came to Putnam County in 1996. The facility began operating in 1997. The Eleanor plant employs 290 workers. The company makes ignition coils for Toyota, Chrysler, Ford and Subaru.
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