A grandmother died after sparks flew from an oxygen tank being used to treat her coronavirus symptoms ignited the armchair where she sat and caused an explosion, an inquest has heard.
Paramedics had been called out to Lynn Hadley’s home in Walsall on Easter Monday after she started showing signs of Covid-19.
But as crews started oxygen treatment, sparks flew from the device and ignited the armchair where the 68-year-old was sitting.
Black Country Coroners Court heard husband Dave, daughter Kelly, granddaughter Mackenzie and the two paramedics managed to flee from the house.
Grandmother Lynn Hadley died after sparks from an oxygen tank caused an explosion at her Walsall home, an inquest heard on Thursday
The deadly blast ripped the roof off the house on Easter Monday, with paramedics reportedly already in the property
The inquest was told Mrs Hadley could not be rescued as the flames took hold and she died in the chair as a result of ‘fatal burn injuries’.
Police, firefighters, two more ambulances and a Hazardous Area Response Team were sent to the scene of the blast, which completely destroyed the roof and conservatory.
Senior coroner for the Black Country Zafar Siddique opened and adjourned an inquest into her death today.
He said: ‘There was an incident on April 13, a severe fire in the living room of the property in New Street.
‘The deceased had been suffering from a high temperature and fatigue, so her daughter called 999. The ambulance crew assessed her for suspected Covid-19.
‘Her oxygen levels were low so oxygen therapy was needed.
‘Within minutes of the paramedic plugging in the oxygen cylinder, sparks were witnessed. It set fire to the armchair where the device was sat.
‘Paramedics escaped the house, and family members also left the house.
‘By the time the paramedics went back in to rescue Mrs Hadley, the fire had developed too much. She was recovered from the armchair.
Smoke pours from Mr and Mrs Hadley’s home in Shelfield, Walsall, after an explosion
‘I will adjourn this hearing to allow the Health and Safety Executive to investigate and give a report.’
The Health and Safety Executive is also investigating the incident and will provide updates to the coroner.
Mr Siddique expressed his condolences to the family and adjourned the hearing for a pre-inquest review to take place on June 30.
Following Mrs Hadley’s death, neighbours described her as ‘one in a million’.
Trevor Burgess, 76, a retired HGV driver who lives two doors away from the couple, said: “It is absolutely devastating. You just can’t comprehend it.
‘The emergency services were fantastic. They came from everywhere. There were three or four engines and about four ambulances.
Windows blown out from the rear of the house, above the conservatory where Mrs Hadley was being treated
Windows at the front of the property where the explosion took place, ripping through the entire house
‘The family has just come back now this lunchtime. We can’t really go out and help them due to the lockdown.
‘We can’t offer them our condolences or even a cup of tea or coffee. It’s completely heartbreaking. She was one-in-a-million.’
Hannah Fullerton launched a fundraising page with a target of £10,000, which has now raised more than £9,000.
She wrote: ‘The Hadley family are the most selfless family you will ever meet, they would do anything for anyone.
‘Tragically they have lost their loving mum, wife & grandmother they have also lost 40 years of sentiment and memories in their family home, they have absolutely nothing left.
‘Lynn was only 68 years old and was An amazing wife to Dave, mum to Kelly, Chris, Noel & Samantha & her grandchildren who she absolutely adored.
‘I would like to raise money to help Dave, Kelly & Mackenzie get back on their feet again and take some financial stress off the upcoming months.
‘Any donations would be hugely appreciated whether it be big or small.’