Fatal Fire Could Have Started In Faulty Fridge Freezer

A fire that sparked a house explosion could have been caused by a fridge-freezer that was recalled due to a 'history of starting fires,' an inquest has heard.

John Wilson, 63, died in August last year following the explosion in his home which destroyed the terraced house as well as two neighbouring properties, leaving 10 people injured.

Mr Wilson was injured jumping from his home on Curzon Road in Ashton-under-Lyne, which he shared with his wife and daughter – both of whom survived the tragedy.

John, who had a history of health problems, died three days later on August 12 after suffering burns and multiple injuries.

Iain Ronaldson, a watch commander of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service who investigated the blaze, said it was 'most likely' in his opinion that it had begun at the back of a fridge stored under the stairs before igniting 'combustible materials' around it.

He added:

"Subsequent to my investigation and following enquiries… I was able to confirm that the fridge-freezer sold in 2005 was the model subject to the recall following a serious fire in 2010 involving a death."

If you have suffered an accident or injury due to faulty, dangerous or defective products, you may be entitled to compensation. Call our team in confidence on 0161 627 2469 to discuss your situation.

Mellor Hargreaves Ltd

Defective Product Solicitors