Homeless man killed in car fire in South Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES - A homeless man was killed after the car he was in caught fire early Sunday morning in South Los Angeles. 

Firefighters and paramedics were dispatched at 1:39 a.m. to 102nd Street and Avalon Boulevard, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported. The LAFD confirmed to FOX 11 that the man was sleeping in the car when the fire erupted.

Jimmy, who lives near where the car exploded into flames, said the man inside the car was named Clay. The LAFD said Clay was 50.

Jimmy said he just spoke with Clay Saturday. "He's a laid back guy, he's cool," Jimmy said.

An unnamed neighbor told FOX 11 the explosion sounded like fireworks. He said, "It was loud... woke me up."

Paramedics rushed the victim to a hospital, where he was listed in grave condition, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAFD said Clay had second and third degree burns. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Several witnesses told investigators that the fire appeared to be set on purpose, but that claim is still under investigation.

"People are cruel," Jimmy said about claims the fire may have been set intentionally.

No other details were immediately available.