Flat fire victim ‘had depression’
A PENSIONER who died in a flat fire was suffering from depression, the opening of an inquest heard.
Margaret Russell, 71, was rushed to hospital with critical injuries following the blaze at her home on Broom Lane in Levenshulme on Monday, March 22. She died a short time later.
Area coroner for Manchester, Zak Golombeck, described Mrs Russell as ‘a heavy drinker and smoker’. He told the inquest passers-by had seen smoke billowing from her property and had broken down the door.
Mrs Russell, who lived alone and has a step-daughter, Julie Major, was taken to the burns unit of Wythenshawe Hospital where she died.
During the hearing at Manchester Coroners’ Court, Mr Golombeck said: “At this stage I have only seen the provisional results of the post mortem examinations and they confirm burns injuries as the cause of death.”
He said he needs a full file from Greater Manchester Police, including a report from the fire service, a full post mortem, a toxicology and histology report and a summary from Mrs Russell’s GP.
Mr Golombeck said he would also be requesting evidence from social services and Greater Manchester Health Foundation Trust, as well as a witness statement from clinicians at Wythenshawe Hospital who treated her on March 22.
He said: “Mrs Russell was suffering from a mental health condition which we know to be depression. She had suicidal ideations and expressed suicidal ideations at the scene.”
Mr Golombeck said it was unlikely the inquest would proceed until later this year.