Man, 78, dies in house fire in Cork

An elderly man died in a house fire in Cork City yesterday afternoon which gardaí believe was started accidentally.

The victim was named locally last night as Donal O’Donoghue, 78, from Silverdale Road in Ballinlough.

He lived alone and was the sole occupant of the house yesterday.

Fire damage was confined to the downstairs living room area of his semi-detached house. But there was significant smoke damage in the room and it is believed Mr O’Donoghue may have been overcome by fumes.

The alarm was raised at around 1.30pm when Mr O’Donoghue’s daughter called to check on him.

Three units of Cork City Fire Brigade rushed to the scene. Fire fighters entered the house and discovered a small fire burning in an area of the downstairs front room where Mr O’Donoghue spent most of his time.

It had almost burned itself out when the fire crews entered the room and they managed to bring the blaze under control very quickly.

They found Mr O’Donoghue, who had restricted mobility, lying on the floor. They rendered medical assistance but he did not respond. He was pronounced dead at the scene .

Gardaí sealed off the scene for a full forensic and technical examination but a garda spokesman said at this stage, there was nothing of a suspicious nature evident.

It is believed the fire was started accidentally and may have been burning for some time before the alarm was raised.

Mr O’Donoghue’s remains were removed to Cork University Hospital for a post mortem examination.

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