Warning after man is killed by fumes

Wednesday 16th September 2009, 9:59AM BST.

Fire engine (Picture: Shropshire Fire & Rescue) If smoke detectors had been fitted in a Powys house, the life of its 57-year-old resident may have been saved, an inquest in Welshpool has heard.

Smoke from smouldering clothes, probably set alight by smoking materials left in the bathroom of Emyr Wyn Lloyd’s home at The Foel, Welshpool, caused his death, yesterday’s inquest heard.

A verdict of accidental death was recorded by Powys coroner Mr Peter Maddox.

A post mortem showed his death on December 23 last year was caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.

The inquest heard police broke into the house after a neighbour became concerned he had not seen Mr Lloyd that day.

Police found evidence of smoke damage in the house and of a fire in the bathroom.

Mr William Swindlehurst, station manager at Newtown Fire Station, said he carried out an investigation into the fire and considered, but ruled out, a number of causes, including electrical appliances, candles and electrical wiring.

He said the seat of the fire was in the bathroom where there were remains of clothing. The only possible cause that could not be ruled out was smoking materials setting fire to clothing, the inquest heard.

He said the property had not been fitted with smoke detectors. He added: “It seems to me there was evidence here of a slow burning fire and it may be that had Mr Lloyd had smoke detectors operating, he may have had sufficient warning to escape from the property.”

View more: Mid Wales news, Welshpool news.