Cigarette is blamed for fatal fire at West Bromwich flat
A man died after suffering severe burns when a fire broke out at his flat in West Bromwich, an inquest heard. Michael Alfred Golding, aged 64, was found unconscious at the property in All Saints Way by firefighters on March 4.
Smethwick Coroners Court yesterday heard a neighbour had tried to break down the door to reach Mr Golding but the smoke had been too thick. The block of flats was evacuated while crews in breathing apparatus extinguished the fire and Mr Golding was taken to hospital.
He died on March 26 from multiple organ failure caused by his injuries, the inquest heard.
Black Country coroner Robin Balmain read out a report by fire investigation officer James Holder.
The report said officers had been called to the property at around 10.40pm where they had been directed to a first-floor flat by neighbours gathered outside.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze and discovered Mr Golding lying unconscious. Some of his clothing had caught fire.
The blaze had started in the kitchen. A large number of empty beer cans had also been found in the property.
Mr Balmain said firefighters believed the fire to have been sparked by a cigarette.
He recorded a verdict of accidental death at the end of yesterday's hearing.
Mr Balmain said: "It is thought this fire was caused by the careless use of smoking materials," he said.
"It would seem he had been drinking heavily in the kitchen when a small fire started which developed.
"It seems he was overcome by smoke which was exacerbated by the alcohol and he was unable to extricate himself. This fire was started accidentally."
Mr Balmain said he had not ordered a toxicology report in this matter as Mr Golding had not died of his injuries until sometime later. I do not think this would have told me anything in this case," he said.
