Tragic fire claims the lives of father and son after electrical alterations at home
A devastating house fire in Swansea resulted in the loss of the lives of Naemat Lawa Esmael, 51, and his three-year-old son Muhammed Esmael. The tragic incident occurred at their home in Gonhil, West Cross, on July 1, 2023, where the fire caused significant damage. Muhammed, a joyful child always wearing a smile, was found deceased in a bedroom following the blaze, while Naemat passed away two days later due to severe injuries sustained in the fire. An inquest revealed that Naemat had made alterations to the electrical system in the house before the tragic event took place.
During the inquest at Swansea Coroners’ Court, it was disclosed that Naemat had carried out electrical work in their council-owned home, including relocating a switch in the living room and making changes to the kitchen lighting. Barry Kelly, a chartered electrical engineer, inspected the property and noted that the electrical work appeared to have been done by an individual lacking expertise in this field. Exposed electrical wiring in the living room was also highlighted as a potential hazard for electric shock.
Charred remains of a television cabinet, with double extension leads plugged into it, were identified in the room where the fire began. However, investigations could not definitively determine an electrical fault as the cause of the fire due to the removal of electrical items from the house before inspection. Forensic scientist Iain Peck confirmed that there was no evidence suggesting a cigarette had sparked the blaze.
Naemat’s wife, Sharmeen Ahmed, recounted the harrowing moments of the fire, describing how she heard a noise downstairs before witnessing the fire in her daughter’s room reflected in a mirror. Despite her efforts to re-enter the property to rescue her family, she was restrained by neighbours. The inquest also questioned the functionality of the smoke alarms in the house and why they did not sound off during the fire.
The court heard testimonies from firefighters and Swansea Council representatives, shedding light on the installation of smoke alarms and the electrical safety check conducted at the property. Statements from family members expressed profound sorrow and commemorated the loving personalities of Naemat and Muhammed.
As the inquest continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident, it strives to provide closure for the grieving family and ascertain the cause of the fire to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The community mourns the loss of a devoted father and his young son, whose memories will forever be cherished by their loved ones.
Stay tuned for more updates as the inquest unfolds, seeking clarity and justice for the lives lost in this heartbreaking fire tragedy.