Sharon Ann Soares and Blaise Sanito Alvares · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 11th November 2016 an investigation into the death of Sharon Ann Soares was commenced and on 5th January 2017 an investigation into the death of Blaise Sanito Alvares was commenced. Sharon Soares was aged 30 died on 9th November and her husband Blaise Alvares who was 33, died on 23rd December 2016. Although their deaths occurred more than a month apart, both died as a result of an injuries sustained during a fire at their home at 141 Manchester Road, Swindon on 6th November 2016. At the inquest hearing today I concluded that both individuals had died as a result of an accident.

At some time after 11 pm on Sunday 6th November 2016 a fire broke out in the downstairs living room of 141 Manchester Road, Swindon. At the time there were 7 individuals in the house, a three bedroom terraced property. The fire was intense and produced thick choking smoke, substantially reducing visibility, a problem which was exacerbated by the fact that the electricity supply tripped out eliminating artificial lighting. The conclusion of a thorough fire investigation report was that the probable cause of the fire was the ignition of combustible materials including curtain, clothing and bedding materials by exposure to naked flame from a bio ethanol heater. One of the seven individuals in the house managed to escape through an upstairs window. However, the remaining six were trapped within the property and had it not been for the prompt actions of members of the public and the attending fire brigade, all six would have perished. As it was Mrs Soares and Mr Alvares, although rescued died subsequently from their injuries.

Evidence was heard at the inquest to the effect that this was at least the second occasion of fatalities attributable to a Bio Ethanol burner with a previous death reported in Uttoxeter, together with a substantial number of previous accidental injuries, including a series of events in Staffordshire.