House fire death ‘caused by cigarette’

GARDAÍ believe the fire that killed a 36-year-old man broke out after he fell asleep while smoking in his bedroom.

A garda spokesman described Timothy Coleman’s death “as a tragic accident”. Foul play was ruled out.

Mr Coleman, who worked for John A Woods, died at his home at Cappanagoul, Freemount, on Sunday morning.

The alarm was raised shortly before 6am. His parents, Michael and Mary, were in the house but were unable to save their son.

His body was recovered and taken to CUH, where a post mortem was carried out yesterday.

Both of his parents had to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Freemount parish priest Fr John Ryan said the entire community was shocked and saddened by Mr Coleman’s death.

“Timothy was well-liked. He had a great sense of humour and will be very much missed,” Fr Ryan said.

Meanwhile, a 26-year-old man, believed to be Polish, died following a fire in a house in Bantry last Saturday morning.

Gardaí said yesterday they wouldn’t be releasing his name until relatives had been informed.

It is believed the man, who worked in the construction industry, had been out for the night and returned to a house at Barrack Street where he put on a deep-fat fryer.

It is believed he fell asleep and died due to smoke inhalation.

His body was discovered by colleagues who came to collect him at 8am on Saturday.