11-Year-Old Sister Fighting for Life in Hospital After Being Pulled from Inferno at West Yorkshire Family Home
A father and his nine-year-old daughter have died in a devastating house fire while the girls’ mother was away on a religious pilgrimage to Mecca, leaving an 11-year-old sister fighting for her life in hospital.
The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Sunday morning when flames engulfed the family home on Russell Close in Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, at 6:19am.
Despite the desperate efforts of firefighters who pulled the man and two young girls from the burning semi-detached property, the father was pronounced dead at the scene. His nine-year-old daughter died later in hospital from her injuries.
MOTHER AWAY ON HAJJ
In a heartbreaking twist, neighbours revealed the children’s mother is believed to be away on the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca – one of the most important religious journeys in Islam.
His wife is abroad for the pilgrimage,” one neighbour told reporters. “It’s traumatic – really distressing for the whole street. It’s a young family. They have lived here a couple of years – a really good family. It’s sad to see what’s happened.”
The annual Hajj pilgrimage is currently taking place in Saudi Arabia, with millions of Muslims from around the world gathering in Mecca between June 4-9 for the sacred journey that every Muslim is required to make at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able.
COMMUNITY IN SHOCK
The tight-knit community in Heckmondwike has been left reeling from the tragedy, with neighbours describing the deaths as “deeply traumatic” for the entire street.
“It’s just shocking and devastating. The community has come together and has been comforting each other and talking to each other,” said one resident.
Flowers have been laid outside the family home as tributes pour in for the victims, with locals rallying to support the surviving family members during their unimaginable grief.
DESPERATE RACE TO SAVE LIVES
Emergency services rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the house fire at 6:19am on Sunday morning. Firefighters worked frantically to pull the father and his two daughters from the blazing property.
Despite immediate medical attention, the man died at the scene. Both girls were rushed to hospital, but the nine-year-old succumbed to her injuries later on Sunday.
The 11-year-old girl remains in critical condition in hospital, with medical teams fighting to save her life.
DAMAGED APPLIANCE SPOTTED
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, firefighters were seen examining what appeared to be a damaged household appliance at the rear of the property.
Police have confirmed they do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding the cause of the fire, with officers working alongside fire investigators to determine exactly what sparked the deadly blaze.
INTERNATIONAL EFFORT TO REACH FAMILY
Detective Inspector Paul Greatorex of Kirklees CID revealed the extensive efforts being made to support the family during this devastating time.
We are continuing to work with colleagues at the fire service to investigate this dreadfully sad incident which has resulted in a father and daughter losing their lives,” he said.
Extensive enquiries have been ongoing since yesterday and we have been working to locate and support relatives of the victims both here and outside of the UK at what is clearly an awful time for the family.”
The detective’s reference to relatives “outside of the UK” appears to confirm efforts to reach the mother in Saudi Arabia and break the devastating news.
NO SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES
Detective Inspector Greatorex added: “While our enquiries remain ongoing we do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances regarding the cause of the fire and will be preparing a file for the coroner in due course.
“Our support for the family involved clearly also still continues.”
COMMUNITY RALLIES ROUND
As news of the tragedy spread through the close-knit West Yorkshire community, residents expressed their shock and offered support to the bereaved family.
The family had lived in the area for several years and were well-known and respected by their neighbours, who described them as “a really good family.”
Local councillors and community leaders have been working to coordinate support for the surviving family members and to help with arrangements during this difficult time.
INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
West Yorkshire Police and fire investigators continue to work at the scene to determine the exact cause of the fire. A full investigation will be conducted, with findings to be presented to the coroner in due course.
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating speed with which house fires can claim lives, with the father and daughter becoming the latest victims despite the best efforts of emergency services.
As the 11-year-old girl continues to fight for her life in hospital, the thoughts of an entire community remain with the family as they face the unimaginable task of coming to terms with their loss.
Image credit:
“Atik, Fountain Street, Halifax, West Yorkshire (11th April 2023)” by Mtaylor848, licensed under CC BY‑SA 4.0
