Examination under way at scene of Limerick fire

Investigations are continuing into the death of a man in Limerick city, following a fire at an apartment complex.

The blaze broke out at the building on Cecil Street shortly before nine o'clock last night.

The victim, who was in his 30s, died after impaling himself on a railings outside the building.

When firefighters arrived at the scene, the victim had already leapt to his death from a fourth floor window in an attempt to escape the blaze.

A woman who was also poised to jump had to be coaxed into staying on a window ledge before she was rescued.

She was taken to hospital suffering from slight burns and smoke inhalation.

It is understood one other man safely landed on steps after leaping from the blaze.

The three people were trapped inside the apartments after flames cut off the stairwell.

Another two residents, thought to be on lower floors, had managed to flee by the time emergency services arrived.

A forensic examination of the scene is underway.