Fire crews have been battling a serious house fire in Bootle, Merseyside, in the early hours of this morning as it has now tragically been confirmed their have been four fatalities
A major fire in Merseyside in the early hours of this morning (September 22) has tragically seen multiple fatalities. Police have now confirmed that four people have died as a result of the blaze in Bootle as one other victim has been rushed to hospital.
Fire crews and police were called to a serious house fire on Stone Square at around 3.38am with six fire engines on scene at the height of the fire. According to reports from locals, a man, believed to be dad of children who reportedly live at the property, tried to save those still inside.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue (MFRS) sadly confirmed the deaths of four people this afternoon in an updated statement after they were discovered in the property “showing no signs of life”. They were all reportedly found in an upstairs bedroom.
Firefighters arrived to find a semi-detached house well alight. Eight firefighters were seen searching the house wearing breathing apparatus in a desperate search the property for occupants.
One victim at the scene was taken into the care of North West Ambulance Service for treatment for burns as fire crews continued to search the property. The main fire has since been extinguished with fire crews damping down the area.
According to tearful neighbours speaking to the Liverpool Echo, told how the children’s dad reportedly smashed the property’s windows as he desperately tried to save his family. He was reportedly beaten back by the flames suffering serious burns as he tried to get inside.
The couple who lived there were only married two years ago and were in their 30s, according to their neighbours. A family dog was also reportedly rescued.
One said: “They were a lovely family. It’s so sad. They lived for each other. They were besotted with each other. Everyone on the estate went to their wedding. He tried, and the neighbours tried, to get them out. He tried his best to get his family but couldn’t get past the landing.”
MFRS and Merseyside Police are now undertaking a joint investigation to establish the cause of the fire.
In a statement, Merseyside chief fire officer Nick Searle said: “Firstly, our thoughts are with everyone who’s been affected by the tragic incident this morning. After a 999 call to Merseyside, fire and rescue service fire control room at 3:30 a.m. this morning. Crews from surrounding stations were informed and mobilised to the scene with the first fire engine arriving at 3:45 a.m. The initial fire crews arrived to find the semi detached house well alight.
“Crews were wearing breathing apparatus, entered the building to search the property for occupants, and fighting intense fire, which has spread very rapidly. Six fire engines were in attendance at the height of the incident.
“On arrival of the fire crews, a casualty was already outside of the property, and was taken into the care of Northwest Ambulance Service, and subsequently transferred to hospital. During the course of the search of the property, firefighters discovered four casualties, showing no signs of life, and it’s now being confirmed that all four have tragically lost their lives.
“There will now be a full joint investigation with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Police into the cause of the fire. Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of those lost, and fire crews will maintain a visible and reassuring presence in the community. over the coming days. Thank you.”
MFRS Area Manager Kevin Longshaw said: “This is a devastating incident, and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of those who have lost their lives and been injured.
“We will work closely with relevant colleagues to ascertain the cause of the fire, but in the immediate term, we again extend our sincere condolences to those affected by this tragic incident.”