Elderly woman killed in blaze
ONE person, believed to be an elderly woman, has died in a devastating house fire following reports that a gas canister exploded into flames before gutting her bungalow.
Emergency services were called after a loud blast “woke up the street” at around 6am on Friday on Churchill Drive, in Malvern.
Five fire engines, three police cars and two ambulances rushed to the scene but nothing could be done to save the victim.
Witnesses reported seeing flames “as high as the bungalow” as the blaze ripped through the property causing extensive damage.
One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “It was early in the morning and I heard a boom that sounded like a door slamming.
“The next thing is flames coming from the bungalow.
“The fire brigade and ambulance arrived straightaway and the police came quickly too.
“The police were going house to house and told one of my neighbours that there had been a fatality.
“The police and fire services are still here and have been here since 6am.
“There is still a police car outside of the bungalow and one fire engine.
“I’m just in shock. I don’t know what to do with myself.
“I believe the lady was in her 70s. “The fire crew were so good and so quick.
“It was so early in the morning that lots of neighbours didn’t even know it had happened but I’m an early bird so I was awake.
“One of my neighbours saw the flames and said they were as high as the bungalow and coming out of the roof.”
Another resident, who also wished to remain anonymous, added: “We heard a bang but thought it was just the back door. Apparently it’s a gas canister that blew up.”
Inspector Andy Tanner, of West Mercia Police, said: “At 6.30am today officers were called to Churchill Drive following reports of a house fire.
“The fire has led to one fatality and an investigation led by fire services is under way to ascertain the causes of the fire but at this stage it is not being treated as suspicious.
“There is likely to be a police and fire presence in the area for the next 24-hour period so we thank everyone for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused by our being there. The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage.”
A spokesperson for Herefordshire and Worcestershire Fire Service said: “At 06.27 this morning, the service received a call to a house fire with persons reported to be inside at Churchill Drive, Malvern.
“Soon after entering the premises wearing breathing apparatus, crews were able to confirm that there was one fatality.
“The fire involved a semidetached, single-storey dormer conversion and crews used breathing apparatus, hose reels, jets and ladders to fight the fire.
“Further information on the person who has sadly lost their life is not yet known and officers are working with police colleagues to establish full details.
“The exact cause of the fire is not thought to be suspicious and specialist fire investigation officers have been working at the scene.“