Telford bungalow blaze victim named as fundraiser launched for his injured mother
Herbert Daniels is believed to have been just days away from celebrating his 60th birthday.
The victim of a blaze which ripped through a bungalow in Telford has today been named, while a fundraising campaign has been launched to help his elderly mother who survived.
About 20 firefighters were called to tackle the blaze at the property in Park Lane, Woodside, on Friday morning.
Firefighters managed to rescue an 89-year-old woman before the roof collapsed, but later found the body of a man believed to be in his late 50s.
He was today named locally as Herbert Daniels. It is believed he was just days away from celebrating his 60th birthday.
His mother is thought to have been the woman rescued from the bungalow.
She was taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation, but her injuries were not thought to be serious.
Fundraiser
Neighbours have now launched an online fundraising page to help her buy clothes and other essentials.
Set up by Park Lane resident Andy Simpson, who gave her a quilt while she waited for an ambulance, it says: "On Friday 26th October at 7.15, a deadly fire swept through the bungalow in Park Lane, tragically claiming the life of one of the occupants.
"Fire crews were able to rescue an 89-year-old lady from the house, fortunately her injuries were not serious, but she has lost her son, her home and all her belongings.
"All she has now is the nightdress she was carried from the building in.
"This fundraiser is to help provide her with the basics that she needs to help her get through the immediate aftermath of the fire, to provide money for food and clothes.
"Please donate as much as you can spare."
The JustGiving page has already raised more than £200.
One donor wrote: "Lovely thing to do. Was a really awful thing to see and happen so close.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to this lady and her family, may he rest in peace."
Flowers have since been left at the remains of the gutted bungalow.
Initial investigations showed the fire is not thought to be suspicious.
Witnesses who called 999 said they heard loud bangs and described how brave neighbours had already tried to break the door down but had been unable to get inside.
Last week, Guy Williams, area manager for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, praised firefighters for their 'heroic' actions.
To donate to the fundraising campaign visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/park-lane-fire
