A fire broke out in a home in St. Colman's Park, Macroom, Co. Cork in the early hours this morning.
It is believed that the fire was a tragic accident, though investigators at the scene warn that it is too early to reach definitive conclusions about the cause of the blaze that started around 4 am. The area has been secured ahead of further investigations by the Garda Technical Bureau.
A young man in his late 20s made attempts to save the occupants. Regardless of his own safety he bravely kicked down the door of the house. He is being treated for smoke inhalation.
Sadly two men, one in his 60s and one in his late 20s, died in the house while a woman in her 60s, who jumped out a window to escape the inferno and is currently being treated in Cork University Hospital for smoke inhalation. Her condition is described as serious.
The young hero is a neighbour in St. Colman's Park and was the first to raise the alarm after hearing screams and the sounds of breaking glass. He alerted the emergency services which had the fire under control within minutes of arriving at the scene.
Unfortunately despite best efforts of the young neighbour and emergency services, the two men were taken away in hearses just after 6 am this morning.
