DEVASTATING BLAZE DESTROYS BRADING HOME – 60-YEAR-OLD MAN SUFFERS BURNS

A 60-year-old man has been transferred to Salisbury Hospital with burns after a fire ripped through a home in Brading during the early hours of this morning (Friday), completely destroying the property and badly damaging next door too. As first reported by Island Echo, firefighters rushed to New Road shortly before 02:50 when a blaze broke out in the 2-storey residential address, with flames seen lapping out of the roof. According to eyewitnesses, 2 loud explosions awoke people from their beds before a man stumbled out of the damaged property and into the street. He was initially cared for by neighbours before being transferred to hospital. It’s thought he was airlifted to the mainland shortly before 05:00. All other persons are accounted for. Island Echo understands that Police stumbled across the scene of devastation whilst on nighttime patrol, spotting the smoke and flames from afar. The alarm was raised with 3 fire appliances initially mobilised from another large incident at Bowcombe, but the property was well ablaze by the time firefighters arrived. It has been confirmed by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service that the house has been 100% destroyed, with the fire spreading to the adjoining property. Aerial photographs captured by Island Echo reveal the extent of the damage with nothing left other than 4 walls and the 2 chimney stacks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KpuL7mJ3Fc The fire is now out by firefighters remain on scene damping down the charred remains. Crews from Freshwater, Ventnor, Sandown and Ryde have been involved in fighting the fire, alongside mainland crews from St Mary’s, Southsea, Havant, Liphook and Fareham. A cause has yet to be confirmed but on-scene investigations are expected to get underway in due course. The main Ryde to Sandown road has been closed in both directions with motorists being diverted via St Helens and Bembridge, or via The Downs, until further notice. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has been advising those living in the Brading area to keep all windows and doors shut.