Neighbours tell of shock after Telford house fire woman dies
Neighbours today told of their shock after a woman who was rescued from her smoke-filled house in Telford died.
Jennifer Rowe, 47, was pulled out of her home in Brecknock Court, Leegomery, by firefighters.
She was described by the West Midlands Ambulance Service as in a "critical" condition after inhaling smoke from the fire.
Today it was confirmed Ms Rowe had died at Princess Royal Hospital, where she was being treated for her injuries.
Neighbours spoke of their shock and flowers were laid at the scene of the tragedy. The fire happened on New Year's Day at about 10.30pm.
West Mercia Police detective inspector Steve Tonks said: "I can confirm that sadly the lady has now died. Our thoughts are with her family."
Neighbours today paid tribute to Ms Rowe. Tributes included a card that read: "To Nan, RIP."
Paul Malone, from Carmarthen Green, said: "It is shocking what has happened and very, very sad. I did not know she had died and I didn't know her very well, only to say hello to, but you can't believe something like this has happened."
Eric Fernandez, of Brecknock Court, said: "It is really sad."
Another neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "She seemed like a lovely lady, but she kept herself to herself and I didn't know her well.
"I thought it may have been bad when all the emergency services were here, but I thought she had got out and was OK. To hear she had died is so sad, especially at this time of year."
Councillor Gill Moore, of Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council said: "It is terribly sad for something like this to happen and my thoughts are with her family."
Fire investigators were at the scene on Friday, but the cause of the fire is not believed to be suspicious. Firefighters used six breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets and a covering jet to put the fire out, before using a fan to clear the house of smoke following the blaze. They said the seat of the fire was in a first floor bedroom.
Steve Parry, a spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service, said at the time: "We were called to the property at about 10.35pm. An ambulance and our hazardous area response team were also in attendance.
"She was taken to Princess Royal Hospital in Telford as she was suffering from smoke inhalation."
