Gran with suspected coronavirus burnt to death as sparks from oxygen tank medics used to treat her set fire to armchair
A GRAN with suspected coronavirus died after sparks from an oxygen tank set fire to her armchair and exploded, an inquest heard today.
Lynn Hadley, 68, was killed in the blast which tore through her end-terraced home in Walsall, West Midlands, at 5pm on Easter Monday.
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Ambulance crews had been called to the property by her concerned family members after she started to show symptoms of Covid-19.
But as crews started oxygen treatment, sparks flew from the device and ignited the armchair where Mrs Hadley was sitting.
Black Country Coroners Court heard husband Dave, daughter Kelly, granddaughter Mackenzie and the two paramedics managed to flee from the house.
The inquest was told Mrs Hadley could not be rescued as the flames took hold and she died in the chair as a result of "fatal burn injuries."
Police, firefighters, two more ambulances and a Hazardous Area Response Team were sent to the scene of the blast, which completely destroyed the roof and conservatory.
The deceased had been suffering from a high temperature and fatigue, so her daughter called 999. The ambulance crew assessed her for suspected Covid-19.
Coroner Zafar Siddique
Senior coroner for the Black Country Zafar Siddique opened and adjourned an inquest into her death today.
He said: "There was an incident on April 13, a severe fire in the living room of the property in New Street.
"The deceased had been suffering from a high temperature and fatigue, so her daughter called 999. The ambulance crew assessed her for suspected Covid-19.
"Her oxygen levels were low so oxygen therapy was needed.
"Within minutes of the paramedic plugging in the oxygen cylinder, sparks were witnessed. It set fire to the armchair where the device was sat.
"Paramedics escaped the house, and family members also left the house.
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"By the time the paramedics went back in to rescue Mrs Hadley, the fire had developed too much. She was recovered from the armchair.
"I will adjourn this hearing to allow the Health and Safety Executive to investigate and give a report."
The Health and Safety Executive is also investigating the incident and will provide updates to the coroner.
Mr Siddique expressed his condolences to the family and adjourned the hearing for a pre-inquest review to take place on June 30.
The much-loved gran died in the blaze which destroyed the end-terrace home where she lived with her husband Dave, daughter Kelly and young granddaughter Mackenzie.
The surviving family, who managed to flee the house before the blast, were said to have “lost everything”.
But now kind-hearted locals have joined together to back a £10,000 fundraising drive.
So far 15 bags of clothes, as well as cash and toiletries have been donated to the Hadleys.
Kelly, who is now living with relatives nearby, was left “overwhelmed” by the generosity.
She wrote on Facebook: “Words cannot even come close to the way I am feeling with the generosity of people.
“I am very overwhelmed. I have never even met you.
“You are all truly wonderful and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Following Mrs Hadley's death, neighbours described her as "one in a million."
Trevor Burgess, 76, a retired HGV driver who lives two doors away from the couple, said: "It is absolutely devastating. You just can't comprehend it.
"The emergency services were fantastic. They came from everywhere. There were three or four engines and about four ambulances.
"The family has just come back now this lunchtime. We can't really go out and help them due to the lockdown.
"We can't offer them our condolences or even a cup of tea or coffee. It's completely heartbreaking. She was one-in-a-million."
Hannah Fullerton launched a , which has now raised more than £9,000.
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She wrote: "The Hadley family are the most selfless family you will ever meet, they would do anything for anyone.”
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "An ambulance crew were at the scene when there was an explosion at the house which resulted in significant damage.
"The crew managed to evacuate all of the occupants from the property except for a woman, who was confirmed dead. A full investigation into what happened has begun to ascertain the circumstances."
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