Foul play ruled out by Gardaí investigating Cork city house fire which killed 62-year-old man

Foul played been ruled out by Gardaí investigating a fire in a Cork city apartment which killed one person, The Echo understands

Michael O’Sullivan, 62, was found deceased in the kitchen area of his first floor home after three units of Cork City Fire Brigade attended the fire, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

One woman who managed to escape the house with the assistance of a neighbour was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

A post mortem was completed this morning at Cork University Hospital, and while the results are not being released, it is understood that Gardaí now believe the fire started accidentally and that is no longer being treated as suspicious.

A Garda spokesperson told The Echo: “Gardaí in Togher continue to investigate the death of a man following a fatal house fire in Togher, Cork on Friday evening, 31st January 2025.

“A post-mortem was completed on the body of the deceased by the Office of the State Pathologist on Sunday, 3rd February 2025. The results of the post-mortem are not being released for operational purposes.

“A technical examination of the scene has also been completed by investigating Gardaí. The focus of the Garda investigation at this time is the preparation of a file for the Coroner. Investigations are ongoing.”