Tragic Garage Fire Claims Life of Bacup Father After Wheelchair Ignites
A 63-year-old father from Bacup, Lancashire, tragically died from severe burns and smoke inhalation after his wheelchair caught fire when it came too close to a gas heater in his garage. David Wilson was pronounced dead at the scene following the blaze at his home on Ramsey Avenue on November 20 last year.
Background and Health Challenges
David Wilson had spent 38 years working as a wagon driver before facing redundancy. After losing his job, his mobility issues worsened, and he was diagnosed with spinocerebellar syndrome in 2014. As his condition progressed, he became reliant on a wheelchair and lost his ability to speak.
Despite these challenges, his wife Karen, to whom he had been married for 33 years, cared for him at home with some assistance from carers. To ensure his safety, David had a lap belt fitted to his wheelchair, and Karen also secured a bungee cord around his chest to prevent him from falling out.
The Fatal Incident
On the afternoon of November 20, Karen wheeled David into the garage so he could "tinker" with his cherished small tractor, a passion of his related to agricultural machinery. The garage contained a gas heater, and Karen had replaced the gas cylinder earlier that day but had not pushed it completely back under the bench.
After leaving David in the garage for about half an hour while she completed chores, Karen checked on him. Approximately 45 minutes later, she spotted smoke billowing from the garage and realized it was ablaze. She frantically attempted to extinguish the fire and rescue David, but he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Inquest Findings and Investigation
An inquest held at Accrington Town Hall on March 12 heard evidence from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service watch manager Warren Topp, who led the investigation into David's death. The court was informed that the fire ignited after David attempted to manoeuvre his wheelchair independently and came too close to the gas heater.
Mr. Topp conducted tests showing that, even without direct contact with the heater, the wheelchair would have caught fire within "five to 10 seconds." While the bungee cord securing David likely hindered his escape, it was not possible to determine if this contributed to his death.
The inquest also revealed a previous incident "a few years ago" when David's wheelchair had come too close to the heater, resulting in one of the tyres melting. Despite relying on his wife for mobility assistance, David would often grow impatient and attempt to move himself, despite limited mobility and upper body strength.
Coroner's Comments and Family Concerns
Area Coroner Emma Mather stated, "Although it was at a safe distance when he passed through [the gap between the tractor and the heater] he may have got stuck." She added that David had full capacity and was aware of the risks, noting that the wheelchair was only just wide enough to fit through the gap and he could self-propel using his feet and limited arm movements.
During the inquest, David's brother Stephen voiced concerns about the use of the bungee cord and the uneven flooring in the garage. The coroner commented, "David had a bungee cord to keep him upright and I am not entirely sure whether this was appropriate, but families have to attend to the needs of their loved ones and support their independence."
The coroner determined that David's death was due to smoke inhalation and burns, ruling it as an accident.
Family Tribute and Legacy
Following the inquest, David's brother Stephen shared a heartfelt tribute. He said, "David was the first sibling to be born. Our late father passed away suddenly in February 1978, aged 41. David became the father figure and left school early to put food on our table."
David leaves behind his wife Karen, two sisters Tracey and Louise, brother Stephen, his 83-year-old mother Maureen Wilson, a daughter Hannah, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Stephen added, "He was a character and loved the sounds of Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins. I would spend hours with him tinkering at my many cars, and I used to go out drinking with him. We miss him dearly."
