Inquest opens into death of man in Kirkby Lonsdale fire
Ben Taylor passed away earlier this month
An inquest has been formally opened into the death of a shop owner who lost his life as a fire which tore through buildings in Kirkby Lonsdale earlier this month.
45-year-old Ben Taylor lived in a property on Main Street in the town, Cockermouth Coroners’ Court was told this morning (Tuesday).
A major multi-agency response was launched after members of the emergency services were called to Kirkby Lonsdale at around 5-45am on Sunday, 8th December.
They were confronted with a blaze involving a block of apartments opposite the Red Dragon pub.
Properties were evacuated, roads were closed and people were offered shelter in a community support centre.
Scores of firefighters from almost a dozen separate fire crews across Cumbria were called out with aerial ladders used as they tackled the blaze,
The court heard that Lancaster-born Mr Taylor died amid a “significant fire.”
The coroner formally adjourned the inquest until a provisional conclusion date of 20th May, 2025.
A service to celebrate the life of Mr Taylor is due to be held next week.
Tens of thousands of pounds have since been raised to help individuals and families affected by the incident, after formation of the Kirkby Lonsdale fire disaster support fund.