Man Dies in Albuquerque, New Mexico House Fire

ALBUQUERQUE (AP) -- A man ran outside his home and told a neighbor it was on fire, then ran back inside the burning house and never came out, authorities say.

Michael Bangert, 56, of Albuquerque died in the fire Sunday, said officer Trish Ahrensfield of the Albuquerque Police Department.

Firefighters found the body in a back room, said Capt. Mike Paiz of the Albuquerque Fire Department.

``Evidence supports that it may have been smoke inhalation,'' Paiz said.

Investigators were trying to determine what caused the fire, but arson does not appear to be involved, he said.

``It looks like some sort of appliance might have been involved,'' Paiz said.

``Two rooms were destroyed and there was severe smoke damage throughout the house. It looks like about $40,000 worth of damage,'' Paiz said.