Blaze hero fought to save his own family
Son-in-law firefighter’s rescue bid
THE son-in-law of a tragic father of 17 fought the fire that killed six family members.
David Cuthbertson, 68, and five of his children died in the blaze – which was possibly started by a Halloween candle.
Retained firefighter Dave Price, who is married to David’s daughter Pia, 24, battled the flames that were threatening his family.
Neighbour Mary Ann Gilchrist said: “What I find so horrific is that one of those responding was his own son-in-law.”
Friends say David and his children carved pumpkins and lit candles every year in the run-up to Halloween. Locals fear a candle was left alight when the family went to bed. A villager said: “People are saying it was the cause of the fire. There were apparently a lot of candles in the house.”
Five children aged between four and 11 died in the inferno in Llangammarch Wells, Powys.
David is believed to have helped three of his children, aged 13, 12 and 10, escape the farmhouse. Sources said he was trying to rescue other youngsters from the third floor when the roof caved in.
PM Theresa May paid tribute to the victims in the Commons, praising the “bravery and professionalism” of emergency services.