Couple died from smoke inhalation after flat fire

A HEAVILY pregnant woman and her boyfriend died from smoke inhalation following a fire at their Dublin flat, Dublin City Coroner's Court heard yesterday.

A still born baby boy was delivered by caesarean section after Ms Mary Rose Core, who was 36 weeks pregnant, was put on a life support machine at St James's Hospital. She died two days later on February 20th.

Mr Gerard Kavanagh (28) died immediately after the blaze at their flat above Thrifty's shop in Decies Road, Ballyfermot.

Insp Michael Fitzpatrick of Ballyfermot Garda station told the inquest that proceedings had been before the courts and there were "further investigations."

The City Coroner, Dr Brian Farrell, agreed to adjourn the inquest until November 13th. A stillborn birth certificate would be issued for the baby, he said.

Prof John Harbison, the State pathologist, said Ms Core had died from smoke inhalation and that the baby had died from foetal cerebral inoxia. Mr Kavanagh had died as a result of cyanide and carbon monoxide poisoning.

His father, Mr John Kavanagh, of Oliver Bond House, Dublin, told the inquest that he identified the body of his son to gardai on the day of the fire.