Duncan Edwards Court: An elderly woman has died after a fire at sheltered housing

Duncan Edwards Court: An elderly woman has died after a fire at sheltered housing

Elderly woman dies in tragic Newton Heath retirement flat fire

Nov 11, 2014

By Alan Selby

fire-gvPhoto: Manchester Evening News Library

An elderly woman has died after a fire at sheltered housing.

The 88-year-old’s body was discovered after an automatic alarm was triggered when smoke started filling the building just before 10am.

Neighbours had complained of an acrid smell before the tragic discovery was made in a bedroom of the warden-controlled flats in Newton Heath.

Officers said smoke had badly damaged the inside of the flat, but the fire had been extinguished by the time they arrived.

Despite their efforts, paramedics pronounced the woman dead at the scene.

A neighbour told the M.E.N. police and fire investigators had been on the scene all day, but officials have said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the blaze.

Councillor David Acton, chair of the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, said a safety campaign would be launched to help protect others in the area.

He said: “Firstly I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family of the woman at this sad time.

“Our crews attended the flat following an automatic fire alarm and when they arrived the fire was out and the woman had sadly already passed away.

“Community safety teams will be in the area on Wednesday to provide reassurance and there will be lots of advice and information available – if you see our staff please go and talk to them.

“I would also like to encourage everyone to make sure you have working smoke alarms and check them regularly and ensure you know how to protect yourselves from fire in your home.”

Credit: Manchester Evening News

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/woman-dies-newton-heath-flat-8093267

Additional Reporting MUNReporter

Photo below: MUNReporter

Duncan Edwards Court Newton Heath Fire ederly lady dies aged 88yrs 11th Nov 2014 10amAn elderly women dies in fire at Duncan Edwards Court, Newton Heath Photo: MUNReporter

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