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Investigation and inquest
On 5th September 2014 an investigation was commenced into the death of Andrew William Telford Coates aged 41 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 22nd January 2016. The conclusion of the inquest was:-
Cause: 1a) Effects of Explosion and Fire
Conclusion: Accidental death
On 5th September 2014 an investigation was commenced into the death of Polly Sarah Connor aged 46 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 22nd January 2016. The conclusion of the inquest was:-
Cause: 1a) Effects of Explosion and Fire
Conclusion: Accidental death
Circumstances of the death
On the 30th August 2014 between the hours of 15.00 and 15.30 at Larch Cottage, Ecclerg, Windermere, Cumbria in an outbuilding known as the Fireworks Store located on the property, an unexplained explosion rendered Andrew William Telford Coates unable to exit the Fireworks Store. Fire consumed the building. This resulted in a fatal level of carbon monoxide inhalation.
ON the 30th August 2014 between the hours of 15.00 and 15.30 at Larch Cottage, Ecclerg, Windermere, Cumbria in an outbuilding known as the Fireworks Store located on the property, an unexplained explosion rendered Polly Sarah Connor unable to exit the Fireworks Store. Fire consumed the building. This resulted in a fatal level of carbon monoxide inhalation.
Coroner’s concerns
The Fireworks Store at Larch Cottage was, in 2008, licenced under the terms of the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005. The premises had been subject to a Registration since 2004.
It is questionable as to whether what amounted to a wooden shed comprised within a vehicle garage was a suitable structure for a firework store, particularly one licenced for 1000 kg.
Evidence was given that the store contained a large amount of other material some of it combustible and access could only be made to the store via an adjoining compartment containing two petrol driven machines. It seemed that this state of affairs had obtained for a number of years, notwithstanding apparently compliant inspections.
In addition the licence granted was deficient in that it effectively licenced the entire property instead of designating a specific site. The licence did not specify the type of firework or explosive to be stored.
The effect was to give authority to store explosives of any type up to a net explosive quantity of 1000 kg. The records of inspections were sketchy.
The construction and none firework content of the store at the very least exacerbated the ensuing fire.
The Fireworks Store at Larch Cottage was, in 2008, licenced under the terms of the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005. The premises had been subject to a Registration since 2004.
It is questionable as to whether what amounted to a wooden shed comprised within a vehicle garage was a suitable structure for a firework store, particularly one licenced for 1000 kg.
Evidence was given that the store contained a large amount of other material some of it combustible and access could only be made to the store via an adjoining compartment containing two petrol driven machines. It seemed that this state of affairs had obtained for a number of years, notwithstanding apparently compliant inspections.
In addition the licence granted was deficient in that it effectively licenced the entire property instead of designating a specific site. The licence did not specify the type of firework or explosive to be stored.
The effect was to give authority to store explosives of any type up to a net explosive quantity of 1000 kg. The records of inspections were sketchy.
The construction and none firework content of the store at the very least exacerbated the ensuing fire.
Information checked against the published report and official responses