A coroner has raised concerns that as many as 1.6 million Hoover and Candy tumble dryers could share characteristics with an appliance linked to a fatal house fire. Sohaib Ahmed, 38, and his nine-year-old daughter Manahal Nazir Ahmed died in a fire at their home in Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, on June 8, 2025. Another daughter survived but needed extensive hospital treatment.
Inquest findings
An inquest found the fire most likely started in a Hoover condenser tumble dryer in the kitchen, although investigators could not establish exactly how it caught fire. Senior coroner Martin Fleming has now called for further action, warning that other households could be at risk if the concerns are not properly investigated.
In a Prevention of Future Deaths report, Fleming identified the appliance as a Hoover DX C10DCER-80 condenser tumble dryer. The report said the Office for Product Safety and Standards had received a significant number of fire notifications involving that model.
Safety concerns
The report also raised concerns that around 1.6 million Hoover and Candy branded condenser or vented tumble dryers currently in use may have similar characteristics. Fleming has asked officials to consider whether sales of the model should be stopped while further investigations take place. He also called for a closer examination of the possible fire risks and whether additional safety action is needed.
During the inquest, experts explained that this type of tumble dryer can be almost completely destroyed once a fire takes hold, making it difficult to determine the cause. The coroner said there was a significant risk of further deaths unless the concerns were addressed. However, the findings do not mean that all 1.6 million appliances have been confirmed as faulty.
Safety advice
London Fire Brigade advises people to clean their tumble dryer filter after every load and avoid overloading electrical sockets. Anyone concerned about their appliance should check its model number against official product safety notices and contact the manufacturer if necessary. Households can also check the Government's product recall website for the latest safety information.
