Two dead after separate house fires in Newcastle and Sunderland within hours
Two people have died in separate house fires in the last 24 hours, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed. The two separate fires took place overnight in Newcastle and Sunderland. The first emergency call was received by TWFRS's Fire Control team last night (Thursday December 14) at 11.20pm, with a report of a house fire on Benwell Lane in Newcastle.[1][2]
Three fire engines were dispatched to the scene, with a further three and an Aerial Ladder Platform dispatched as the incident developed. Firefighters entered the building and located a 64-year-old man who was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. In the early hours of this morning, TWFRS[3] crews also attended a second fire involving a fatality, this time on Wearside.
The suspected fire took place at sheltered accommodation on Rotherfield Road in Sunderland, with TWFRS called out at 2.17am. Three fire engines were on the scene in a matter of minutes, with crews rescuing a 66-year-old man from the building. He was given oxygen and first aid, until paramedics arrived and took him to hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Stewart Nicholson, TWFRS deputy chief fire officer, said: "Our thoughts go out to the families of both men during this incredibly difficult time. Any death in the region is a tragedy and we are working hard alongside Northumbria Police[4] in a joint investigation into the circumstances of each fire. "We would also like to pass on our thoughts to the emergency service crews who attended the fires, and for their efforts in rescuing the causalities."
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "These are two very tragic incidents and our thoughts are with the loved ones of both men at this difficult time. We remain committed to establishing the causes of both fires and officers are working together with investigators from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service at this time." The next of kin for the deceased have been informed of their passing.
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References
- ^ Sunderland (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
- ^ Newcastle. (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
- ^ TWFRS (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
- ^ Northumbria Police (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
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