Elderly couple die following Cork house fire

Cork Fire Brigade units, gardaí and paramedics raced to the blaze at the Lower Glanmire Road shortly after 11pm on Thursday evening after the alarm was raised by neighbours.

Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control but tragically the bodies of a man in his 80s and a woman in her 70s were later recovered from the property.

Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Their remains will be transferred to Cork University Hospital.

The Office of the State Pathologist has been informed and full post mortem examinations will be conducted.

Garda and Cork Fire Brigade forensic and technical officers are now examining the scene to determine the cause of the blaze.

However, there is nothing, as yet to indicate that the blaze is anything other than a tragic accident.

Gardaí stressed that the nature of their investigation will be determined by the results of the post mortem examination and the forensic examination of the property.

The man and woman are understood to be from the area and had been resident in the property for some time.

Neighbours have been left shocked by the double tragedy.

The locality is a very mature residential area and is located alongside one of the busiest traffic routes in Cork city.

Gardaí warned that diversions have been put in place to facilitate the work of the emergency services.

“Traffic restrictions are currently in effect at the scene on Lower Glanmire Road, with traffic reduced to one lane and motorists are advised to use alternate routes,” a Garda spokesperson said..

“Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Mayfield Garda Station on 021- 4558510, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.”