Tragic Vacuum Battery Blaze Claims Life of Popular Pub Landlady
A much-loved pub landlady died in a devastating fire caused by her cordless vacuum cleaner battery exploding, a Shropshire inquest has heard. Ann Michelle Male, known to friends as Annie, succumbed to smoke inhalation when flames ripped through her country pub in Stottesdon on July 14 this year.
Emergency Response and Tragic Discovery
Emergency services rushed to the Fighting Cocks Inn at approximately 6.52pm after concerned neighbours spotted smoke billowing from a window. Fire crews forced entry into the burning building and discovered a bedroom completely ablaze.
Teams battled through intense black smoke as they opened the door and used thermal imaging equipment to locate Mrs Male unconscious on the floor. The Shrewsbury inquest heard how firefighters immediately began CPR, with paramedics continuing resuscitation efforts upon arrival.
Tragically, the 58-year-old was pronounced dead at 7.40pm despite their efforts.
Investigation Points to Vacuum Battery Failure
Ross Donnelly of Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the fire was accidental, originating from an explosion in the battery of her Vax Blade cordless vacuum cleaner. The battery had entered a state of 'thermal runaway' - a dangerous chain reaction leading to explosion.
An independent report commissioned by Vax examined the battery remains but couldn't definitively confirm whether it was a genuine manufacturer's battery. However, coroner John Ellery accepted evidence from Mrs Male's partner Rob, who verified it was an original Vax battery.
A company representative emphasised that all Vax batteries undergo rigorous testing and meet international standards, with no known pattern of manufacturing defects.
Remembering 'The Life and Soul'
The hearing paid emotional tribute to Mrs Male, described as 'the life and soul of every room she entered' and a deeply loving individual. Originally from Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands, she had fulfilled her lifelong ambition by taking over and revitalising the country pub.
Her daughter, Georgia Higgins, shared a moving statement describing her mother as 'the glue that held our family together' and someone who had transformed both the Fighting Cocks and the village itself. The statement revealed Mrs Male adored country life and had fallen in love with running the establishment.
Coroner's Warning on Battery Safety
Senior coroner John Ellery recorded a conclusion of accidental death but issued an important safety warning. 'This inquest does highlight the dangers of batteries that can explode, whether they are charging or not,' he stated.
He explained that thermal runaway can be triggered by various factors including battery defects, impact damage, ageing, or environmental exposure. However, the battery's condition after explosion prevented definitive identification of the precise cause.
The pub remains closed following the tragic incident, with the local community mourning the loss of their popular landlady whose light, as her daughter expressed, made the world undoubtedly darker through its absence.
