Fire Crews Missed Fatal Fire In First Call
A report's revealed a fire which killed a husband & wife in Maghull was missed first time by firefighters.
Crews were orginally called to a neighbours house, after reports of smoke coming from a light fitting in the living room.
They carried out an investigation for 25 minutes including lifting floorboards above the light fitting and examining the area with a thermal imaging camera
The interim report has found that firefighters left the scene after isolating the electricity to the light fitting. Shortly afterwards a second call was received from the same property with reports that the bathroom was filling with smoke.
Firefighters returned to the address and observed smoke filling the loft space.
They say the the blaze at the house on Bridge Farm Drive was caused by an unattended chip pan.
Husband and Wife Keli & Joe Morgan were found unconcious in the property and later died in hospital.
The Morgan's teenage daughter was not staying at home that night.It's believed smoke alarms were fitted at the property, but the batteries may not have been working.
Group Manager Guy Keen from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service said:
‘Our thoughts go out to the friends and relatives of those who died in this tragic incident. We would urge all members of the public to ensure working smoke alarms are fitted in their home and that they are checked regularly to ensure they work.
Neighbours have spoken of their shock of their deaths,
Tommy Edwards told us he and his wife Sharon have lost their best friends.
"They were lovely people. We've known them for over ten years - they were our best friends and mates. We socialised quite a lot, they were unbelievable friends. We just can't believe what's happened - we just can't get our heads around it. We're just distraught, to be honest with you. Everyone's feeling the same - we all know each other in this close...it's a lovely place to live and I just can't put into words what to say. We just can't believe it to be honest."
Sharon added, "They were the life and soul (of the party)...I'll remember Kelly every day of my life. She was crazy...she was a crazy girl but she was the best."