Fatal fire in Gateshead flat

On Saturday 9 November, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service crews were called to a ground floor flat on Rosebery Avenue in the Deckham area of Gateshead. A female casualty was rescued and taken by ambulance to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, but sadly passed away the next day.

Firefighters from Gateshead and Newcastle Central fire stations arrived at the property at 5.27am, where they found the fire in the living room and smoke damage to the rest of the flat.

An adult male had already left the property and was in the care of paramedics when the fire crews arrived. He was also taken to hospital suffering from burns and smoke inhalation, but his injuries are not thought to be life threatening. A dog and a budgie were also rescued by firefighters.

Lynsey McVay, TWFRS Area Manager for Community Safety, commented:

“This is extremely sad news and our thoughts and sympathies are with this lady’s family and friends. We also hope that the male casualty makes a full recovery.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but this incident is a tragic reminder of the importance of having working smoke alarms. Please test them regularly to keep yourself, your family and your pets safe.”