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Tragic Fire Claims Life of County Limerick Farmer | Limerick Gazette Archives

Tragic Fire Claims Life of County Limerick Farmer

In a devastating incident, a fire engulfed the residence of Mr David Fitzgibbon, located in New Town Elton, County Limerick, resulting in his tragic death. The fire, which occurred on a fateful Thursday night, completely consumed the building, leaving Mr Fitzgibbon, the sole occupant of the house, with no chance of survival.

The house in question was a spacious and well-suited farm residence, ideally equipped to meet the needs of the associated farm, covering approximately 30 acres of Irish land. However, the land had been under the control of the Court of Chancery for the past two years, and Mr Fitzgibbon received certain payments from this arrangement.

Living alone in the house, Mr Fitzgibbon’s solitary existence was brought into sharp focus by the tragic events of that night. As revealed during the subsequent inquest, it became apparent that he had a habit of smoking indoors, despite being well aware of the associated risks. On this ill-fated evening, it is believed that he was indulging in his pipe, and through a tragic oversight, his clothing or other materials caught fire. The house, constructed with a thatched roof, quickly succumbed to the flames, becoming an inferno of destruction.

The grim outcome of the fire was the loss of Mr Fitzgibbon’s life. His remains were discovered amidst the charred ruins of the house, in a state of partial disintegration. Only a few bones and his skull were recognizable, further underscoring the ferocity of the fire.

To investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Fitzgibbon’s tragic death, a formal inquest was convened under the jurisdiction of Coroner P.J. Clery, M.D., from Kilmallock, who presided over the proceedings. A panel of respectable jurors, with Mr Hellan serving as foreman, was assembled for this solemn task.

During the inquest, a range of evidence was presented and considered. After careful deliberation, the jury reached a verdict that Mr Fitzgibbon had met his demise through a tragic accident. Specifically, the verdict attributed his death to the fire that engulfed the house, either through burning or suffocation.

This heart-wrenching incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from even the smallest oversight in fire safety. The loss of Mr Fitzgibbon’s life in such a manner is a tragic event that has deeply affected the local community and serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of fire prevention measures and awareness.

Kerry News – Wednesday 13 June 1906