Family home gutted after tumble dryer explosion
A FAMILY has been left without their home and all their possessions after a fire swept through their Campile house on Thursday.
The fire occurred when the tumble dryer in the home of Brian and Sandra Molloy exploded on Thursday afternoon. The blaze quickly spread through the building and through the roof, whipped up by the windy conditions that day.
A fundraising campaign has been organised in the village to help support the Molloy family in their time of need. James Keating, chairman of the Shelburne estate residents’ committee, said: ‘They’ve lost everything, down to their daughter Zara’s laptop and Alex’s schoolbooks. They are just on their knees. Hopefully some fundraising will cheer their spirits and help them get some essentials and hopefully the insurance will come in quick.’
A FAMILY HOME and all its contents was destroyed in 20 minutes on Thursday after a tumble dryer exploded.
The fire broke out in the utility room of the Molloy house in Shelburne Place estate in Campile shortly before 4 p.m.
The fire spread through the bungalow, which is owned by Brian and Sandra Molloy, leading to the collapse of the roof.
Brian and Sandra’s son Alex was playing video games in the sittingroom when he heard the explosion. He went into the utility room where he found the tumble dryer on fire.
Alex immediately ran next door to his neighbour Con Hayes who contacted emergency services.
By the time the fire tenders arrived from New Ross 20 minutes later, the fire had taken hold of the house and it was too late.
James Keating, chairman of the Shelburne estate residents’ committee, said: ‘Con went over instantly but he couldn’t get into the house. The door handle was hot and there was smoke coming from the kitchen. It was gone in 20 minutes.’
James said Brian and Sandra are in shock and devastated at losing their home of 12 years.
‘ They were about to go away on a break when this happened. They’ve lost everything, down to their daughter Zara’s laptop and Alex’s schoolbooks. They are just on their knees.’
The residents’ committee have sprung into action to help raise money for the Molloy’s to help them get back on their feet. A meeting is being held on this Wednmsday night at 7.30 p.m. in Campile Hall to organise fundraising events to this effect.
James said Brian, who works at Glanbia, and Sandra, who is also a hard working parent, need the people of the greater Campile area to turn out and help raise money for them until they can get compensation from their insurance company.
The family are presently staying with Brian’s father in Horeswood.
James said: ‘I was speaking with Brian and Sandra and they are in total shock. Brian said he is just thankful that nobody was hurt and that it didn’t happen at night. We, in the residents committee, are going to get the ball rolling for them again. It could have been a lot worse but they’ve lost their beautiful home. The roof caved in and it’s just devastation everywhere. The family are well respected in the area. It’s a really