Man dies in Swanley house fire
by Rachel
Hovenden
rhovenden@thekmgroup.co.uk
Neighbours have told of their
shock after a fire claimed the life of a father "who always said
hello".
John Elmore, aged in his
mid-50s, died in hospital after suffering smoke inhalation and
serious burns during the fire at his home in Manse Way, Swanley
last Wednesday (March 7).
A neighbour is believed to have
spotted the smoke pouring from the house and dialled
999.
Two fire crews, ambulances and
the police attended the incident, which took place at about
7.30am.
Vicky Wise, 40, who works at
Sainbury’s and lived near Mr Elmore, said: "They closed the road
off until about 9am.
"I’ve never known anything like this to happen before.
"There were fire engines and police cars and he got taken into the
ambulance. "He always said hello."
A spokesman for South East Coast
Ambulance service said: "The man suffered burns and smoke
inhalation and he was taken to Darent Valley Hospital."
He was later taken to the burns
unit at the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead but died on
Thursday afternoon (March 8).
Kent Fire and Rescue Service said the fire is not being treated as
suspicious.
The door to the property has
since been boarded up and mourners left flowers in tribute to Mr
Elmore outside the house.
One tribute read: "To my dearest Dad. Still can’t believe you’re
gone. RIP now God bless you Dad. Love you always Claire xxxx
xxx."
Another said: "To our loving
Uncle John. You will be sadly missed and you will never know just
how much you was loved.
"You will always be in our thoughts John.
"All our love, David, Nicola, Amy, Paige xxx Always x"
One read: "Dear John. You’ll
always be in our memories, Love Ian, Karyn , Lauren and
Louis."
Did you see what
happened or would like to pay tribute
to Mr Elmore then please leave a comment below or
contact the news desk on 01474 564327.
13/03/12