A FOUR-YEAR-OLD boy has died in hospital in Cork from injuries sustained in a house fire which also claimed the life of his two-year-old brother.
Calvin Ellard had suffered severe smoke inhalation when fire broke out at the family home at Elm Park in Wilton shortly after 4am on Sunday. He had been in a critical condition at Cork University Hospital (CUH) since.
A Garda spokesman confirmed that Calvin, who had only started school in September, died shortly after 2pm yesterday at the hospital’s intensive care unit.
His brother Cian (2) died early on Sunday morning. His mother, Stacey Ellard (26), remains in a serious condition in the hospital following the fire at their terraced two-storey house.
Alll three were removed from an upstairs bedroom in the house by firefighters using breathing apparatus after neighbours were prevented by the thick smoke from rescuing them.
All three were unconscious when they were removed from the house. Members of Cork City Fire Brigade attempted to resuscitate them at the scene using oxygen before they were transferred to the nearby CUH.
Garda technical experts later carried out a forensic examination of the scene of the blaze and confirmed that the fire had started accidentally when a cooker, which had been left on in the kitchen, caught fire.
The boys’ father, Ricky Punch who is serving a four-year sentence for drugs offences, has been given temporary release from Cork Prison to grieve with his partner at the hospital and to assist with the funeral arrangements for the two boys.
Ms Ellard is originally from Ilen Court in nearby Togher. The secretary of Togher Community Association and former local councillor Fergal Dennehy has spoken of the impact that the tragedy has had on people in the area.
“Everyone is devastated. It was a tragedy already with little Cian losing his life but now for the family to be dealt this double blow is just so sad – it’s one of the tragedies that just leaves everyone speechless, but we all feel for them at this time and our thoughts are with them,” he said.
Prayers had already been offered for Cian at weekend Masses in Togher and Wilton. It is expected that prayers will be said for both boys along with their mother and grieving relatives at Masses in the parish today.
Earlier local parish priest Fr Robert Brophy spoke of how deeply affected people were by the tragedy.
“This is a very closely knit and supportive community and Stacey and her family will have the support of everyone in the difficult days ahead,” he said.
Gardaí have appealed to the public to be aware of fire safety, particularly before they go to bed at night.
Householders are asked to “double check” the status of electrical appliances and are advised to ensure all escape routes are clear of obstructions, as it is easy to trip in the dark.