East Belfast Blaze Claims Life

There was tragedy at the weekend when a man in his 50s died despite being rescued from a blaze in east Belfast.

It happened at a first-floor flat at Station Road, Sydenham, at about 10pm on Sunday.

The victim - who is as yet unnamed - was taken to hospital but died during the night from the effects of smoke inhalation.

Local MLA, Robin Newton said last night that the tragic circumstances that led to the death of a man in his home highlight the need for us everyone to be conscious of the need to improve safety in our homes.

"This is a dreadful situation and I would like to express my sympathies to the relatives of the victim," the DUP politician said adding his thanks to the Fire Service personnel who risked their lives in this situation to get the householder out of the fire.

"Their bravery was not rewarded as unfortunately due to the smoke inhalation he later died.

"It is important that we improve safety in our homes. This means installing and maintaining smoke alarms, shutting all doors as we go to bed and ensuring that everyone in the home knows what to do in an emergency," he said.

"This tragic incident reminds us of the dangers even in an environment in which we all feel comfortable in and take safety for granted."

Commenting on the incident, the Fire Service's District Commander, Graham Lowry said early indications suggested the fire was accidental, but that an investigation was currently under way.

A smoke alarm sounded in the flat and a neighbour heard it before knocking on the man's door to try to alert him, and then phoned the fire service.

The East Belfast Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has also expressed his deep sadness at the death of a man following a fire in a flat in the Station Road area of Sydenham yesterday evening.

"This is extremely sad news and the community is in a state of shock at what has happened. My thoughts are also with the emergency services who were so quick to respond to this incident.

"This is a very close and friendly community and I am sure that people will be rallying round at this time to provide support following this tragic news."

The Ulster Unionists, East Belfast MLA, Michael Copeland has also called on the public to make sure they are taking all necessary fire prevention precautions in their homes after a man died following a fire in his home in Syndenham.

"News that this gentleman has died following the fire at his home is very sad. It is another tragic reminder of his vital it is to ensure the chances of a fire starting and then spreading through you home are minimal," he said, adding that the importance of a working smoke alarm has been highlighted in this case as it was this that alerted the man's neighbours to the fire and enabled them to contact the emergency services."

(BMcC/GK)