A quiet Lincolnshire village awoke to tragedy on Wednesday morning, as flames engulfed a home in Grimoldby, leaving a community reeling. Friends and neighbors gathered, their faces etched with grief, laying flowers as a somber tribute to those lost.
Firefighters arrived to a scene of intense heat and smoke, battling a well-developed blaze that had already claimed lives. The devastating fire tragically resulted in two fatalities, left one individual in critical condition, and injured several others.
A thorough investigation, conducted by Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue in collaboration with Lincolnshire Police and specialist fire investigation dogs, has pinpointed the source of the inferno. The cause was accidental, stemming from the ignition of nearby objects by an air fryer.
Chief Fire Officer Mark Baxter spoke of the profound impact of the event, acknowledging the immense difficulty facing the family, friends, and the close-knit community. His thoughts and deepest condolences were extended to all affected by this heartbreaking loss.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with six ambulance crews, two fast response paramedic cars, and five fire crews converging on Manby Middlegate. An air ambulance also joined the effort, providing critical support and rapid transport for the injured.
The first emergency call came at 6:22 am, triggering a massive response from East Midlands Ambulance Service. Four patients were rushed to Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby, while one was airlifted to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, battling for their life.
A report detailing the findings of the investigation will be prepared for the Lincolnshire Coroner, Paul Smith, as the community begins the long and painful process of healing and understanding how such a devastating event could occur.
