Tradegy as pensioner dies in shed fire at Chelmsley Wood property

A pensioner has sadly died in a shed fire in the garden of a residential property in Chelmsley Wood.

The 78-year-old man was killed after a blaze broke out in the back garden in Nineacres Drive at around 3pm.

Emergency services rushed to the address but the victim, who has not been named, was confirmed dead at the scene.

A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said officers were still at the scene of the tragedy.

She added: “A 78-year-old man was found at the address in a critical condition but sadly died at the scene.

“The area has been sealed off while enquiries are on-going to determine the cause of the fire.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “An ambulance and a paramedic area support officer attended.

“Sadly, it quickly became apparent to ambulance staff that nothing could be done to save a man and he was confirmed dead on scene.

“A second man suffered smoke inhalation and was assessed and discharged on scene.”

A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said a 999 call had reported the shed fire.

He added: “We sent two fire engines and a brigade response vehicle: a fire engine from Coventry with five fire fighters, a brigade response vehicle from Sheldon with three fire fighters on it and a fire engine from Hay Mills with five fire fighters on it.

“Our fire fighters used a hose reel to extinguish the fire. The police have been in attendance as have our own investigators.

“The cause of the fire is unknown.”

A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: “There were two police cars and an ambulance, a paramedic and a fire engine and a smaller fire van. There were people outside crying and speaking to the paramedics.”

Read more: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/tragedy-pensioner-dies-shed-fire-12599677