A local woman in her 50s who was pulled from a burning flat by firefighters in Bembridge last week has sadly died in hospital, it has been confirmed.
It was on Thursday night that fire crews were mobilised to Crossway in the village when reports were received of a property ablaze in a block of flats.
Firefighters from Sandown and Shanklin were first to arrive and worked quickly to gain access to the 1st floor property, locating and rescuing a woman found inside. CPR was commenced at the roadside and as more crews from Ryde, Newport and Cowes arrived, the fire was brought under control.
The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service mobilised a paramedic crew and 2 officers to the scene and worked alongside their fire service colleagues to bring the woman back to life. She was transferred to Bembridge Airport and into Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter, which flew her directly to Southampton General Hospital.
Sadly, despite the best efforts of those on scene and doctors on the other side of the Solent, the casualty succumbed to her injuries on Sunday. It’s understood that a cat perished in the fire.
An investigation into the cause of the fire was launched on Friday morning with specialist fire investigation officers from the mainland – and forensic investigators from the Police – drafted in to conduct an on-scene examination.
Police have now confirmed that the fire and death are not deemed to be suspicious.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary has today (Monday) told Island Echo:
“We were called at 8.50pm on Thursday 27 January to reports of a fire at a flat in Crossways, Bembridge.
“A woman in her 50’s, who was inside the property, was taken to Southampton General Hospital with serious injuries. She subsequently died at hospital and her family has been informed.
“The fire and death are not deemed to be suspicious and a file will be prepared for the Coroner in due course”.
Sincere condolences to all family and friends, such a sad outcome.