Man dies in Gibraltar fire

LATE in the evening of September 1, a fire broke out in the narrow City Mill Lane close to the shopping area of Main Street in Gibraltar.

An elderly Moroccan national was found “unconscious” by Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service officers who attended the scene and he was declared dead on arrival at St Bernard’s Hospital, three other people were also in the building at the time of the fire.

Three fire tenders went to the scene crewed by 18 fire officers each working 30-minute shifts due to smoke. Up to 20 residents were unable to return to their homes and were given temporary housing by the Royal Gibraltar Police in conjunction with the government whilst the safety of the building was being reviewed.

The fire itself was brought under control quite quickly although officers remained on site throughout the night to ensure that all was safe. Part of the road was closed off but was re-opened in the afternoon of the following day.

No announcement has been made concerning the reason for the fire and the investigation continues.