Man dies following house fire in Co Antrim

Rebecca Black, PA

A man in his 70s has died following a house fire in Co Antrim.

The blaze broke out at a house in Coleraine Road in Ballymoney in the early hours of Saturday.

Firefighters attended the scene shortly before 3am. The blaze is believed to have been accidental.

Alan O’Neill, Group Commander, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, said two people, in their 70s, were rescued from the property, but the man died at the scene despite efforts by emergency workers.

The other person was taken to hospital to be treated for the effects of smoke inhalation and shock, police said.

“The thoughts and sympathies of Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service are with the loved ones of a man who has sadly died following a house fire in Ballymoney yesterday morning,” he said.

“On Saturday 21st October at 0249, Firefighters were called to reports of a fire in a semi-detached house on Coleraine Road, Ballymoney.

“Two crews from Ballymoney and Coleraine fire stations attended the incident and rescued two people in their 70s.

“Tragically a man died at the scene, despite best efforts by Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and firefighters.

“The fire was extinguished and crews left the incident at 04.29am.

“The cause of the fire is under investigation, but we believe it was an accidental fire.”

A police spokesperson said officers are conducting inquiries on behalf of the Coroner.

“At this stage, the death is not being treated as suspicious,” they said.