Man killed and woman, 89, injured as fire rips through Telford bungalow
A man has died and an 89-year-old woman has been taken to hospital after a fire ripped through a bungalow in Telford today.
About 20 firefighters were called to tackle the blaze at the property on Park Lane, Woodside, at 7.14am, after heroic neighbours tried to break down the front door but were unable to get inside.
Firefighters managed to rescue the woman before the roof collapsed but later found the body of a man believed to be in their late 50s.
Video by Ellesse Davis:
Guy Williams, area manager for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, said that when the crews got to the blaze it was 'well developed', especially in the roof of the bungalow.
Mr Williams said: "They searched for people who were unaccounted for. They very quickly located a woman in her 80s. The crew were able to rescue her before the roof collapsed.
"They were nothing short of heroic going into that building and rescuing that lady. It was a really significant fire which spread quickly across the roof."
Mr Williams said firefighters continued their search and the body of a person believed to be in their late 50s was found.
He added said: "Our thoughts are with the family. Our investigation is in the early stages but we don't believe the fire was suspicious at this stage."
Ellesse Davis, 19, of Park Lane, called 999. She said: “I heard this huge bang. I thought it was someone setting off fireworks.
“There was black smoke everywhere. The whole roof just went up. I called the fire service. The flames were really bad.”
Neighbour Andy Simpson said: "I live in the house opposite. I heard the bangs this morning too, around 7.15 and called the services.
"There were a few of us in the street and three guys tried to break the front door down to get in but they couldn’t do it.
"Fire crews arrived not long after and about ten minutes later they brought out the lady from the house.
"They put her on the lawn of the house next door and I gave her a quilt to keep her warm while they waited for the ambulance.
"The road is cordoned off still so we can’t leave the house. "
The elderly woman was taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. West Midlands Ambulance Service said her injuries were not thought to be serious.
The cause of the fire is not yet known and police say they are working with the fire service to carry out inquiries.
