Three people have been killed in a devastating house fire after the blaze ripped through the property in Northamptonshire on Friday night, leaving three police officers injured.
Emergency services rushed to the property at around 10.30pm following reports of a “large fire” in Rushton, near Kettering. Despite their best efforts, three people were pronounced dead at the scene.
Northamptonshire Police confirmed that three officers were hospitalised after inhaling smoke during the incident. Horrified locals said the “whole village is in shock” following the tragedy. One neighbour described the huge emergency response and compared the fire to an “inferno”.
They recalled the moment that a brave man attempted to enter the property, but was unable to due to the extent of the flames. The witness told the Northamptonshire Telegraph: “It’s absolutely shocking. My lad said it was on fire. There was a man who had tried to get in who was outside. It was just an inferno. There were ambulance, police and fire. I don’t know the people who live there but all we can do is hope and pray. It’s just tragic. It’s just horrible.”
According to the publication, the property used to be a station house. Northamptonshire Police said an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire. The force issued a statement and said: “An investigation is underway after three people died following a house fire in Rushton, near Kettering.
“At around 10.30pm last night (Friday, March 28), the police, fire and ambulance services were called to a property in Beswick Close following reports of a large fire. Sadly, and despite the best efforts of the emergency services, three people were later confirmed to have died.
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“Three police officers later required hospital assessment due to smoke inhalation. Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service are conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire.
“Road closures remain in place this morning in Station Road between Desborough Road and Oakley Road, including roads off Station Road, with people asked to continue to avoid the area.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police on 101 quoting incident reference 25000180391.
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