A coroner has heard how a collapsed staircase prevented firefighters from reaching a 13-year-old schoolgirl who died in a devastating house fire in Kent just days after Christmas.
Neighbours' Brave Attempts Thwarted by Aggressive Flames
Lily Anne Childs, also known as Lily Kennedy, was at her home in White Admiral Way, Hamstreet, near Ashford, when the blaze broke out shortly after midday on December 28. Coroner Sarah Clarke, opening the inquest at Oakwood House in Maidstone, detailed how neighbours on the new-build estate bravely fought to rescue the trapped teenager but were beaten back by the intensity of the fire.
"Multiple witnesses called the emergency services, and it was reported that neighbours attempted to rescue the child, but the flames were too aggressive," Ms Clarke stated. The fire is believed to have started on the ground floor before spreading rapidly throughout the semi-detached property.
Firefighters' Access Blocked by Structural Failure
Six fire engines and a height vehicle were deployed to the scene, with crews working to extinguish the blaze that had "spread quickly". However, their efforts to save Lily were critically hampered. "Firefighters tried to get upstairs, but the stairs collapsed, and they could not get access," the coroner explained.
The fire was so fierce that three firefighters were hospitalised for treatment. Crews remained at the property until 7pm the following day, December 29. Another child and an adult, believed to be Lily's mother Annemarie Childs, were taken to hospital. Police confirmed the day after the fire that it was not being treated as suspicious.
A Community in Mourning
The tragedy has left the local community heartbroken. Lily's aunt, Marie Louise, posted a tribute on social media, writing: "Rest in peace sweet girl Xx". In a later post linking to a news report, she added: "My poor niece, thoughts and prayers are with my poor brother and Lily's mum."
Family friend Aeryn Gower also shared poignant memories, stating: "I am beyond sad to hear this news. She was always smiley and knocking on our door wanting to play. She will never be forgotten."
The scene after the fire was one of devastation, with ground-floor windows completely blown out and deflated Christmas decorations lying in the front garden. The coroner gave Lily’s medical cause of death as inhalation of fire fumes, pending further investigation. The inquest has been adjourned and is scheduled to continue on March 30.
