A Lancashire man died after his wheelchair caught fire when it got too close to a gas heater in his garage. David Wilson, from Bacup, suffered fatal burns and smoke inhalation on November 20 last year.
The 62-year-old, who used a wheelchair and was unable to speak, had been working on a tractor in the garage of his home. His wife Karen, who cared for him, had wheeled him into the garage so he could tinker with his beloved vehicle. She had swapped the gas cylinder that day but did not push it all the way back under the bench.
An inquest at Accrington Town Hall heard that David had attempted to move his wheelchair on his own and got too close to the heater. Fire investigator Warren Topp said tests showed the wheelchair would have ignited within five to ten seconds even without touching the heater. David was strapped into his chair with a bungee cord, which may have prevented him from escaping, though it was not determined if this contributed to his death.
The inquest also heard of a previous incident where a tyre had melted when the wheelchair got too close to the heater. Area Coroner Emma Mather recorded a conclusion of accidental death, stating David was aware of the risks but likely attempted to reach the door.
After the inquest, David's brother Stephen paid tribute, describing David as a father figure who left school early to support the family. 'We miss him dearly,' he said.
