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Nelson couple died in house fire after portable heater explosion, inquest hears
Overview
An elderly couple, Marlene Mumford, 84, and William Mumford, 90, died in a fire at their home in Caerphilly after a portable gas heater malfunctioned. An inquest in Newport concluded that the fire likely started due to a mechanical or connection failure. It is believed Mr Mumford attempted to carry the gas cylinder out of the house to remove the danger, causing the flames to spread further. The coroner recorded their deaths as accidental.
Key points
- Marlene Mumford, 84, and William Mumford, 90, died in a fire at their home in Hoel Fawr, Caerphilly, on 12 December.
- An inquest concluded that the fire was most likely caused by a mechanical or connection failure involving a portable gas heater.
- The assistant coroner stated that Mr Mumford likely attempted to carry the gas cylinder out of the house, which caused the flames to spread.
- A neighbour and another man raised the alarm after noticing smoke and flames, witnessing a gas canister explode near the front porch.
- A pathologist determined the cause of death for both individuals was exposure to combustion products of fire.
- The coroner recorded the deaths as an accident resulting from an unintended act with unforeseen circumstances.