Express & Star

Woman dies after flat fire in Darlaston

A woman has died following a fire at flat in the Black Country.

Published
The flats in Parklands Road, Darlaston

The woman in her 60s, named in floral tributes as Helen, was rescued from the address in Parklands Road, Darlaston, by firefighters but died in hospital.

She was said to have suffered critical injuries in the blaze, which started at around 1.50am on Wednesday.

She was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham where she died.

Police said they were not treating the fire as suspicious.

A baby and another woman were also treated for smoke inhalation before being taken to Sandwell Hospital.

A bouquet of flowers has been left outside the flats, blackened by smoke, by workers from Advance Healthcare, who cared for the victim. A tribute said: "May you rest in peace Helen."

A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "A woman in her 60s was taken to hospital but sadly died. The fire is currently not being treated as suspicious."

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "West Midlands Ambulance service can confirm that it was called to Parklands Road in Darlaston, Wednesbury, to reports of a property fire at around 1.45am. Two ambulances, a paramedic and the critical care car from the Midlands Air Ambulance attended the scene.

"A woman suffered critical injuries and received advanced medical care on scene before being taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. A baby and a second woman were treated for smoke inhalation before being taken to Sandwell Hospital for further checks."

Darlaston councillor Doug James said: "I would like to pass on my condolences to family and friends and reassure local residents that an investigation into the fire is under way. Thank you to our excellent fire service for all they have done to tackle the initial blaze and their professional approach during this harrowing ordeal".