Two individuals lost their lives in a tragic fire incident at a working men’s club when a patron inadvertently ignited a gas canister by using a lighter near a heater, according to details revealed during an inquest.
Philip Townsend, aged 70, and John McCartney, aged 60, succumbed to smoke inhalation during the blaze at the Gordon Working Men’s Club in Morecambe in October 2019. They were reportedly trapped inside the establishment on October 9.
The inquest, initiated in 2023 but then postponed, was informed to not draw conclusions from the adjournment as delays in such proceedings are common. Allegedly, the fire erupted when John, known as Johnny, who worked as a cleaner at the club, sparked his lighter close to a gas canister associated with an Aldi heater.
Detective Chief Inspector Abigail Finch-Hall disclosed that witnesses observed Johnny engaging in a habitual flicking motion with his lighter, which they believe caused the gas canister to ignite. Despite his attempts to flee the burning building with the canister, he was restrained by the flames.
Julie Galbraith, a regular at the bar, recounted witnessing Johnny’s risky behavior involving the lighter and gas bottle multiple times, cautioning him about the potential danger. She noted his playful nature but also expressed concerns about his actions.
The tragic incident unfolded swiftly as a flash of fire engulfed Johnny next to the gas bottle, prompting an evacuation order from Callum Goffin, who managed the bar. CCTV footage displayed the rapid escalation of the fire and the chaotic evacuation scene.
The layout of the club, described by long-time patron Ray Potter, placed the heater near the entrance where the catastrophic ignition occurred. Denise Smith remembered Johnny as an entertainer who often toyed with his lighter, leading to the fatal accident.
The inquest also shed light on the flawed fire exit design at the club, complicating evacuation efforts during the crisis. Investigations are ongoing to assess the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, including the fire exit’s functionality and safety measures.
As the inquest continues at County Hall in Preston, more details are expected to emerge regarding the sequence of events and factors contributing to the tragic outcome.