Fatal fire victim is named

Lorraine Tinney • Published 15 Mar 2010 14:00

THE victim of a horrific fire in Greenock's Inverkip Road last week has died in hospital.

The 48-year-old woman was named by police as Angela Madden.

She had been critically ill in intensive care at Glasgow's Royal Infirmary since the fierce fire tore through her flat late on Monday night.

Firefighters raced to the scene, where they smashed their way inside and hauled the woman out of the blazing flat.

She was unconscious and rushed initially to Inverclyde Royal Hospital, before being transferred to a specialist burns unit at the Royal.

But doctors there were immediately concerned about the level of smoke inhaled by the woman during the fire.

She had also sustained severe burns to her face and body - and it has now been confirmed by police she lost her fight for life early on Friday morning.

Neighbours were shocked and saddened when they heard the news.

Myra McMillan, 62, who lives next door, said: "I'm really shocked. When I read she was fighting for her life she might have had a chance.

"The last time I spoke to her was at New Year - I haven't seen her much since then."

Kathleen Middlesworth, 53, who lives in the next block, said: "I saw firefighters carrying her out that night and she didn't look good at all. It's very sad.

"I'm just relieved that everyone else got out safely - there could have been more fatalities."

A full investigation was launched into the cause of the fire but officers have confirmed that it was not suspicious.

A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police said: "I can confirm the 48-year-old woman who was in a critical condition following the fire has died.

"The fire is not being treated as suspicious."

It is understood the cause of the blaze was accidental, with the most likely cause said by police to be a dropped cigarette.

Fire group commander Richard Duncan said: "I am sorry to say, that, despite our best efforts to save the lady, it wasn't enough. I would like to offer my condolences to her family."

In the aftermath of the blaze, firefighters have appealed to householders right across Inverclyde to take advantage of free fire home safety visits provided by Fire and Rescue.

The visits can be arranged by contacting Greenock fire station on 722222 or Port Glasgow fire station on 741222.

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 15 Mar 10

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