Darlington house fire which killed two people was 'accidental'

An investigation is under way into the cause of a fatal house fire in Darlington. Credit: NCJ MEDIA

Two people have died following a house fire in the early hours of Saturday 13 May.

A man and a woman were killed in the fire, which started at a home in Darlington.

Emergency services were called to Woodland Terrace at about 4:45am.

When firefighters arrived, they found flames had engulfed both the ground floor and first floor.

One man was rescued from the blaze and was taken to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) to be treated for serious injuries, where he died later on Saturday.

Flowers have been left at the scene where a man and a woman died in Darlington. Credit: NCJ MEDIA

A woman was also rescued from the property, however she was pronounced dead at the scene.

A joint fire investigation by Fire Service and Police has taken place and the cause is thought to be accidental.

Five crews from Darlington, Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor attended the incident, along officers from Durham Police and the North East Ambulance Service.

A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: "On arrival, crews were met by a fully developed fire on the ground and first floor of the property.

"Firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus entered the property and proceeded to conduct a search and extinguish the fire using hose reels. One male occupant was rescued from the property by fire service personnel and taken to hospital due to his injuries.

"Unfortunately, one female occupant was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Later that day, the male occupant who was rescued sadly passed away also. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected by this tragic incident."

A spokeswoman for the North East Ambulance Service said: "We dispatched two ambulance crews, one crew from our Hazardous Area Response Team, a clinical team leader and an officer, and requested support from Great North Air Ambulance Service. One patient was taken to the RVI for further treatment."

The fire service is carrying out free home fire safety visits in the area.

Paul Cummings, duty group manager for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: “As a service, we aim to educate and protect the members of our communities about the dangers of fire. At a time like this we are reminded of how damaging fires in the home can be.

“We encourage all households to have a home fire safety visit, your safety is our priority. During a home fire safety visit, staff from your local fire station cone to your home to chat abut how to keep you and your family safe from fire.

"This includes checking you have working smoke alarms to using electrical items and palling a safe escape in an emergency.”

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