Man, 62, dies as children rescued from Birmingham house fire
A 62-year-old man has died in a blaze at house in the West Midlands, amid reports that he ran into the house before setting himself on fire.
Emergency services were called to Aldersmead Road, in the Northfield area of Birmingham, at around 6.20pm on Thursday.
A man suffered serious burn injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. It has been reported that the man ran into the house before setting himself on fire.
Seven other people from the property were also assessed by paramedics – including a woman who was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and at least five children.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said their investigation into the fire was ongoing, but they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
Residents in the street have spoken of their shock after the devastating fire.
One neighbour said: “We came outside of the house after hearing a commotion, it was mayhem. The kids were out thank God.
“The fire was so bad, it broke the windows and smoke was everywhere. Some of the kids were crying."
She added: "It looks like the fire started in the upstairs kids' bedroom, it’s so frightening.
“Our estate isn’t the most perfect one, but this is awful, you don’t expect this to happen on your doorstep, I feel so sorry for them and the children must be going through hell.”
Photos from the scene show a forensics officer with fire investigators at the property, which was left gutted.
A West Midlands Police forensics officer was also pictured at the property wearing dark overalls and holding a camera.
The house was boarded up on Friday morning and fire damaged debris was thrown out onto the front garden. Among the debris was a child’s wheelchair and children’s shoes.
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said: “A man has died following a house fire in Northfield, Birmingham, on Thursday. Officers were called to a house on Aldersmead Road by colleagues from West Midlands Fire Service at around 6.20pm.
“Despite the best efforts of emergency services, a 62-year-old man died in the fire. A 44-year-old woman was taken to hospital to be checked over.
“The circumstances surrounding the fire are being investigated, but at this stage, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.
“This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the deceased at this difficult time.”
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance added: “We were called to reports of a property fire on Aldersmead Road at 6.20pm. Two ambulances, two paramedic officers and our Hazardous Area Response Team were sent to the scene.
“On arrival we discovered a man who had suffered serious burn injuries. Unfortunately, nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.
“A woman was treated for the effects of smoke inhalation and taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham for further assessment. Six other patients were all assessed and discharged at the scene.”
West Midlands Fire Service has been contacted for comment.
Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting log number 4042 of October 1.
