A fatal house fire which claimed the life of a man in his 90s started as a result of fabric coming into contact with an electric heater, the fire service has confirmed. Emergency services – including fire appliances from Shanklin, Newport and Cowes – were called to the scene on Shanklin Road in Sandford during the early hours of Sunday morning. Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus used a single hose reel jet to extinguish the fire that broke out inside the semi-detached residential address. A man in his 90s was initially taken to St Mary’s Hospital to be treated for burns, but he sadly succumbed to his injuries. It has now been revealed that the elderly male was badly burnt after fabric came into contact with an electric heater, which then ignited and engulfed the man in flames. His wife was able to escape and raise the alarm but was also provided with immediate casualty care. It’s thought the heater was on to keep the couple warm in the middle of the night, with the fire breaking out shortly before 02:00. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary sent investigators to the scene to establish the cause of the blaze, with those present removing a black electric heater from the property later in the day. Today (Tuesday), a HIWFRS spokesperson has said:
“Following the initial investigation, the fire, which is deemed to be accidental, was most likely caused by fabric coming into close contact with an electric heater.”
A file is being prepared for the coroner.
Every year over 100 people die as a result of fires caused by heating appliances. Many of these fires involve portable heaters. Take a few minutes to read fire safety information about heating your home at https://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/safety/home-safe-home/fire-hazards-in-and-around-your-home/heating-your-home/.
So sorry for family and friends .
Such a tragedy for all involved .
Have you seen the new episode of Stranger Things
Total idiot ,someone has lost their life….
You are the strange thing
…
Sorry if this offends all those who have left condolences but I just wanted to let the piece of shit that made these vile comments know, his a c.u.n.t.
All you want too do is ride around sally
Let’s meet & see who will be doing the riding p.r.i.c.k
Another sick idiot with f**k all going on in his life so much that he has to post twattish idiotic comments to try and p*ss off people that are going through grief beyond belief, hmmm, I feel sorry for you moron.
Have you seen the stranger things
Are you two still bunch of idiots
Reg Dennis what a stupid name who wants to be called that
Christ! I knew this man, he was my Sisters Father-in-law, and i find it astonishing that anybody would make try and get a laugh out of someone else’s pain, what sort of people are you? I couldn’t imagine doing that to someone’s family even if I didn’t know them, probably because I have decency and morals unlike the scum that post disgusting comments like that, grow up and f**k off with your idiotic remarks.
Such a tragedy. Exactly the same as my mum. Much love to the poor man’s family. xx
Oh how heartbreaking, I so feel for all of the family especially his dear wife.
Why don’t you crawl back under your rock you insensitive git.
Tragedy.
Unfortunately there are many free-standing heaters being used by the elderly (and not-so elderly). I fear this will be a far from isolated incident.
Have you ever been diagnosed as a sociopath?
IE – I REALLY wish you would exercise your moderating better and when you become aware of SUCH UTTERLY VILE AND INSENSITIVE comments such as this that you PLEASE delete them ASAP.
Thank you for the subsequent deletion.
Boring and boring but it’s good
Ahh poor bloke… R.I.P mate. I hope his wife is ok and has plenty of support from family and/or social workers. Sad news.
All those who left heartfelt condolences thank you all xx
Ride around sally ride sally ride
All you want to do is ride around sally
Why not tell us what type of heater, did it have exposed element or what, why not educate about best type of heater to use to leave on.