Sitemap
Lorraine Tinney • Published 10 Mar 2010 14:00
A BLAZE that left a woman badly burned was probably caused by a dropped cigarette.
The 48-year-old mum is fighting for her life in a Glasgow hospital after the fire in Inverkip Road, Greenock, at 11pm on Monday night.
Emergency services rushed the woman to Inverclyde Royal Hospital before she was transferred to Glasgow Royal Infirmary burns unit where she is currently in intensive care.
The victim, who has not been named, suffered serious burns to her face and body and severe smoke inhalation during the blaze.
Police described her condition as 'critical but stable'.
They say the incident was not deliberate and the woman's next of kin has been informed.
Detective Inspector John Dearie, of Greenock police, said: "The most likely cause of the fire is a dropped cigarette, but inquiries are ongoing.
"Doctors are concerned about the levels of smoke inhaled by the woman."
Yesterday, neighbours spoke of their distress after the blaze.
An elderly man, who lives opposite the woman, said: "I'm very upset because she could have died.
"I heard the smoke alarm about 10.30pm.
"It was coming from across the corridor and as soon as I saw the smoke I got my wife to call the fire brigade and I ran upstairs to get everyone out.
"I went to bed at 3am and the fire brigade were still here."
A young mum who lives in another block says the fire frightened her because there is only one exit out of the tenements. Simone Gallagher, 35, above, said: "I noticed the blue flashing lights and heard the fire brigade smashing the close door in and then a banging noise when they kicked in the front.
"Then someone was being put on a stretcher and taken into the ambulance.
"I've got two kids and I'm worried about what caused the fire in case it was
anything to do with the building.
"It's frightening because there is only one exit."
This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 10 Mar 10
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.
Talk of the Towns
Your social, local Business Directory - It's in Inverclyde | It's in The Directory | Directory Network
Copyright ©2012 Greenock Telegraph, 2 Crawfurd Street Greenock PA15 1LH • Tel: 01475 726511 • Fax: 01475 783734
